Hot Creek fire finally contained

The Hot Creek Fire was declared contained Friday after burning more than 27,000 acres.

Three weeks ago the fire began as a small blaze triggered by lightning, and fire crews expected quick containment. But after four days of firefighting efforts, the fire exploded into a firestorm that grew from 40 acres to 4,000 almost overnight and became extremely difficult to control. Hundreds of firefighters battled the blaze before bringing under control.

Fire activity had been minimal late last week, due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity, which helped crews considerably in their efforts to contain the fire, which is not out and expected to burn for perhaps several weeks, but fire lines have now contained the fire and it is not expected to spread.  Crews made good progress on the northern flank of the fire, which had been active over the past several days, and also were focusing on hot spots along the fire's edge.

Heavy rains from intense thunderstorms near the Hot Creek Fire caused mudslides that temporarily stranded firefighters along the Middle Fork Boise River Road between the Queens River and Weatherby Airstrip last week. All fire personnel were accounted for and no injuries were reported. 

There is concern about the formation of a debris dam in the river in the vicinity of Lake Creek.

The Boise and Elmore County Sheriff and Forest Service personnel worked to contact and clear campers and recreationists downstream of that area. Crews had planned to blast one of the debris dams blocking the river channel and clearing mudslides that closed the Middle Fork Boise River Road between Weatherby's Air Strip and the Queen's River last Sunday. 

A Closure Order has been issued for Forest Service lands, roads, trails and facilities in the fire area perimeter.  Officials are working to enhance public safety by limiting public entry to the area in case the fire should become active once again. Motorists are advised to be cautious on roads leading toward the fire and to watch for fire emergency and supply vehicles.

 The Middle Fork Boise River Road remains closed beyond the Swanholm /Phifer Creek Road junction near Weatherby's airstrip, and it is uncertain how soon it will be reopened.  Both the Phifer Creek and James Creek Roads are still closed to the public. Atlanta residents are being allowed to leave and return using scheduled escorts over James Creek Road, which provides the only current road access in and out of Atlanta.

Despite recent rain in some areas, the forecast is for warmer and drier weather into the weekend.  Fire conditions remain critical and Stage I Fire Restrictions are still in effect throughout Idaho.  Campfires are restricted to developed recreation sites and smoking is allowed only in cleared spaces of at least 3-feet diameter, or in vehicles or buildings.