07/15/08

The wildfire season is heating up in the south hills - where early this morning, Sawtooth Forest Firefighters - along with the help of other crews - responded to a wildfire near Harrington Fork roughly 16 miles south of Hansen.

Forest service officials say the blaze was reported at three this morning, and had burned 70 acres by mid-morning.

US Forest Service Officer Alicia Bennett said, “The fire was human caused, we believe because somebody didn't put out their campfire.”

Five engines and about a dozen firefighters worked to contain the fire in hilly and rugged terrain - and air crews dropped retardant on the blaze.

There is no official word on containment yet, but firefighters are optimistic, even with a forecast of dry conditions and gusty winds.

Taylor Hunsaker of Rock Creek Fire Department commented, “It could, if they don't get it contained, but it sounds like they've got it pretty much contained and just trying to get the edges all cleaned up so it doesn't go any further. I do know that south of the fire is pretty green, so if we're lucky, we'll be able to get it out.”

Just one structure-an outhouse-has been lost so far.

Forest service crews have closed off several areas, including the Harrington Fork Trail, and barricades block travel on several roads.

Bennett says abandoned fires have been a recurring problem this summer. “We would like to emphasize to the public that they do need to be careful about making sure their fires are out.”