BLM responds to range fire near Mayfield

Fire crews with the Bureau of Land Management are working to contain a range fire reported at 8:30 a.m. Friday near Mayfield in western Elmore County.

The quick-moving Slate Fire was reported two miles north of Indian Creek and advancing toward the north and to the east, burning in grass and brush.

The BLM dispatched suppression resources to knock down advancing flames. Resources on the ground and in the air worked to quickly line the fire, which was estimated at 160 acres.

Ground resources fighting the blaze include five engines, two dozers and one water tender. Air resources include four single engine air tankers and two heavy air tankers.

As of noon Friday, no structures were in imminent danger, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Today's weather forecast brings no relief to fire fighters and increases the potential threat for new fire starts, BLM officials said. Gusty winds up to 35 miles per hour are expected, combined with high temperatures, low relative humidity and already tinder dry fuel make for extreme conditions.

With repeated forecasts of thunder storms and hot, dry weather as well as the current wildfires burning across Idaho, the public is encouraged to use extreme caution when working and recreating outdoors, the BLM emphasized. People are asked to plan ahead before traveling and check current road conditions and closures. Smoke is also a concern for people with respiratory problems.

For information on active wildfires in Idaho and around the nation, go online to www.inciweb.nwcg.gov.