Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Tuesday’s lightning activity has started many fires across the state of Idaho, as Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and Boise Districts responded to multiple fires. The afternoon lightning storms were the cause of three new fires that started on the Twin Falls District. The Rabbit Springs fire, north of the town of Jackpot burned approximately 2,000 acres of BLM land before being contained at 11pm. The fire caused authorities to close Highway 93 at Mile Marker 4 for a while as smoke made visibility difficult, but the road is open at this time. As the fire progressed more resources were requested and the final number include nine engines, one dozer, one water tender, the Salmon Tract and Jackpot Rural Fire Departments. Aerial resources were also used and those included two heavy engine air tankers, two M.A.F.F.’s air tankers, one helicopter, one air attack and a lead plane. The fire did burn under some power lines.
The Little Birch Creek fire burning southeast of Oakley consumed 800 acres, burning in pinyon pine and juniper country. The fire has burned BLM and private land. There were structures being threatened on this fire with Oakley Rural Fire Department there for all protection needs. At this time there are no flames showing according to the BLM. The Little Birch Creek fire is estimated to be contained tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. and controlled on Thursday, July 12th at 8:00 p.m.
The Rock Creek fire is now estimated at 100 acres and burned brush and grass on BLM and private land north of Magic Reservoir. At this time the fire is smoldering. Resources include four engines, hand crews and the Wood River Rural Fire Department. There were structures threatened, but are determined to not be threatened at this time. Control time is set for today at 6:00 p.m. Full containment of the Kinyon Road fire expected today. Control is estimated for July 14. The fire burned 216,050 acres southwest of Castleford. The Saylor Creek Wild Horse herd has been monitored, and the horses have not been impacted by the fire. While a portion of the Herd Management Area was burned, there is plenty of good forage and water available for the horses. Some resources have been released from this fire to assist on other fires burning across the District.