Fire Crews Make Progress in Containing Valley Fire in Boise Foothills, Acreage Increase Reported

Progress made in managing the Valley Fire in Boise Foothills

The Valley Fire in the Boise Foothills has shown signs of containment, with fire crews reclaiming control over the affected area from late Sunday into Monday.

Fire Growth and Containment Efforts

The wildfire, which ignited on the southeastern outskirts of the city early Friday morning, experienced a modest growth from 9,412 acres to 9,892 acres, as reported by Chad Cline, fire information officer at the Bureau of Land Management Boise District.However, the increase in acreage is viewed as a positive sign, indicating the efforts to contain the fire are yielding results. Cline noted thathalf of the fire is now contained, meaning a perimeter has been established to halt its spread. The containment level has improved from 30% to 50% since Sunday morning, the agency reported.

Ongoing Fire Control Efforts

Although there is no estimate for the complete control of the fire, Cline emphasized that no structures have been lost and there have been no reported injuries. Crews are making significant progress on the north, northeast, and southeast sides of the fire, diligently working to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots. The fire's west side is being closely monitored to prevent any further spread.

Increased Personnel and Command Transfer

In response to the situation, the number of personnel involved in firefighting efforts has surged from 166 to 248 from Sunday to Monday. To ensure readiness for potential new fire starts, the Bureau of Land Management plans to transfer command of the fire to a Nevada Type 3 team, allowing local crews to focus on emerging threats.

Ongoing Investigation into Fire Cause

While progress is being made in containment efforts, officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire. The Boise County Sheriff’s Office has lowered evacuation levels over the weekend, with Robie Creek moving down to Level 1 and Wilderness Ranch being removed from the evacuation readiness list.

Public Support for Firefighters

The Bureau of Land Management has outlined various ways the public can assist firefighting efforts. These include refraining from hiking in the fire area, avoiding the use of drones near the fire, and refraining from calling in smoke sightings, as the BLM is already aware of new fire spots. Furthermore, with the deer hunting season approaching, Cline advised drivers to ensure their tire chains are properly maintained to prevent sparks from road friction.

As the situation unfolds, the diligent efforts of fire crews and the cooperation of the public play a pivotal role in safeguarding the affected area and preventing further escalation of the Valley Fire. Authorities remain committed to monitoring the situation and dedicating resources to combat the fire while prioritizing the safety of residents and the preservation of property.