Lavaside Fire about 75% contained near Firth

FIRTH, Idaho (KIFI) — Update (12:19 a.m. Sunday) The fire is 75% contained, but no there is “significant fire activity observed.”

Homeowners who were asked to evacuate from around the Lavaside Fire southwest of Firth, can return home.

Original story: Evacuations are underway for the town of Firth, as crews work to stop the Lavaside Fire.

Its size has ballooned to just under 1,200 acres due to a wind shift. The National Weather Service out of Pocatello noted that the situation is “exhibiting extreme fire behavior” due to that wind shift.

People are gathering at an evacuation center at the A.W. Johnson Elementary School at 765 North 600 East.

At least five different departments have responded. Deputies were called in from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department to assist with the evacuations. We have not heard of any buildings damaged so far.

Helicopters are performing bucket drops to slow the fire’s spread.

“So right now currently the fire is still sitting at 25 percent contained,” said Chris Burger of the BLM. “Obviously the high winds are causing issues on the north end of the fire. Crews are currently doing structure protection around houses that are threatened.”

The Bureau of Land Management asks people to refrain from any spring burning.

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