ST. ANTHONY – The fire at the Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area has grown to about 290 acres and was about 60 percent contained at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, according to federal and state emergency responders.
The wildfire was started by Idaho Fish and Game at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct 15 as a controlled burn aimed at removing dead vegetation. The blaze jumped past fire lines and began to burn uncontrolled about 15 miles north of St. Anthony on state-owned land.
The actual fire management had been contracted to the St. Anthony Work Camp Fire Crew by Idaho Fish and Game.
The Bureau of Land Management, along with fire engines from Fremont County, initially responded to the burn that had grown to 125 acres by 5 p.m.
Warmer temperatures and low humidity hampered fire fighting efforts through the night, but crews did make progress, BLM Fire Information Officer Jesse Bender said.
“Firefighters were able to do a lot of good work during the night,” she said.
Campers and some area residents were evacuated from the area yesterday, but the fire has not damaged or threatened any structures.
If conditions remain constant, officials believe they will have full containment by 6 p.m. Friday.
Photos by Bill Schiess and Ronnie Webber
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