Bench Lake Fire nearly half contained as thunderstorms move into the area

STANLEY — The Bench Lake Fire is 45% contained arsenic Wednesday thunderstorms brought rain, lightning, and upwind gusts up to 40 mph.

According to a news merchandise from nan U.S. Forest Service, 403 unit are still moving to incorporate nan occurrence pinch 15 occurrence engines and 9 helicopters.

“Friday will bring a 20% chance of thunderstorms pinch erratic winds and gusts up to 35 mph,” states nan release. “Temperatures are expected to return to adjacent normal complete nan weekend, and higher humidity will assistance successful slowing occurrence activity.”

Even pinch nan turbulent upwind connected Wednesday, crews were still capable to make advancement toward securing nan occurrence perimeter. Firefighters are continuing to mitigate hazard trees and guarantee immoderate hotspots are wrong containment lines.

“The operational attraction is connected nan northwest area of nan occurrence successful nan Fishhook Creek area wherever firefighters are moving nan areas of uncontained firelines to cool pockets of heat,” states nan release. “Crews will region hose and pumps from nan occurrence area that is nary longer needed for suppression efforts.”

A representation of nan Bench Lake Fire for July 25. | U.S. Forest Service.

The U.S. Forest Service says if upwind conditions are favorable, aerial resources are disposable to support suppression activities, and dropping h2o connected hotspots truthful firefighters tin much safely activity straight connected nan fire’s edge.

Custer County residents are being encouraged to motion up for CodeRED to person emergency alerts. Residents tin motion up for CodeRED by texting CUSTER to 99411 aliases enrolling online here.

Additional accusation astir Custer County’s Ready, Set, Go levels tin beryllium recovered connected nan Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page.

Restrictions:

The Sawtooth National Forest has initiated Stage 1 occurrence restrictions wrong nan National Forest System lands boundaries connected nan Sawtooth and Cassia zones. Under these restrictions, campfires are allowed only successful recreation sites wrong metallic aliases actual occurrence pits. Fires of immoderate benignant are not allowed successful immoderate dispersed camping areas.

Closures:

Sawtooth National Recreation Area officials issued an expanded emergency closure for nan Bench Lake Fire (0414-04-148) July 18 for nan Redfish Lake recreation complex, including nan lodge and associated buildings, roads, trails, trailheads, and campgrounds successful nan area.

Idaho Highways 75 and 21 stay open. Click here for a representation and much specifications connected nan closure order.