Storm, humans trigger several fires overnight

Among the fires burning in Elmore County is the Lime Creek Fire, which began Tuesday but has stalled at about 40 acres in rugged terrain on the Boise National Forest. (Boise National Forest photo)

A combination of lightning and humans caused half a dozen fires in the immediate region on Independence Day.

The high winds that accompanied the storm front Thursday evening also cause scattered but relatively minor damage throughout the county, mostly in the form of tree limbs and power lines down.

The human-caused Love Fire was reported late Thursday morning near Loveridge Bridge in Bruneau. That fire burned 80 acres and was called contained at 6:15 p.m. that evening.

Lightning sparked an additional three fires as the thunderstorms passed through the southern portion of the BLM's Boise District. The Deep fire was located near Deep Creek in the Owyhee Mountains. Early attack from above with air tankers and on the ground with assistance from the Owyhee RFPA kept the fire in check until BLM resources could arrive.

The fire burned approximately 100 acres before being completely extinguished by rain.

BLM crews also responded to two fires along I-84 near Hammett at milemarker 111 and mile marker 113. The fire at MM 111 had burned around 100 acres and containment was expected overnight.

The MM 113 fire is 15 acres with containment also expected overnight. Both fires received significant rainfall as the storm front passed.

"As we continue into the remainder of the holiday weekend, the public is encouraged to remain aware of the dry conditions," said Lead Fire Investigator Carrie Bilbao. "Even with the recent lightning storms, the majority of fires this season have been human-caused.

"Approximately 80 percent of the fires on the Boise District this season have been the result of human activity," said Bilbao.

"As we progress further into the hot summer months, it is important to be cautious during any activity that might spark a wildfire."

Two fires, both caused by lightning, were reported by the Boise National Forest over night. One was north of the Lime Creek Fire, which began Tuesday, and a helicopter will be used to shuttle in a hand crew. The other, reported north of Lucky Peak Reservoir has not been located, but an airplane will check the area, along with other portions of the national forest.

Lightning is forecasted again today.

After smoke jumpers and helicopter crews were sent into the rugged terrain where the Lime Creek fire is burning above Anderson Ranch Reservoir, that fire has stalled at about 40 acres and containment is expected soon.