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All residential evacuation orders lifted, structures damaged or destroyed

FIRTH — Evacuation orders for residents have been lifted, but despite firefighter efforts, the Lavaside Fire damaged or destroyed some structures.

Bingham County Sheriff Chief Deputy Jeff Gardner said as of this morning, residents living along 700 N are able to return to their homes. Last night, the sheriff’s office lifted the evacuation order for West River Dr.

“We ask them to be mindful and courteous of the fire crews that have still got some work back in there,” Gardner said. “So if you’re in there cleaning up, don’t park your trailer across the road to load stuff so they can still go about their business.”

Bureau of Land Management spokesman Chris Burger said firefighters worked through the night, but the fire still remains only 25 percent contained.

“(The fire) burned actively until 3 a.m. and moderated after that. There was no perimeter growth,” Burger told Community Pioneer.

BLM estimates the fire has burned 1,192 acres. They expect to have the fire fully contained by April, 24 at 6 p.m.

Despite the efforts from around 100 firefighters, the fire damaged or destroyed some structures.

“There were several structures that were damaged. One abandoned double wide trailer was a complete loss. Another home down there at the end of 700 N was damaged,” Gardner said.

He said that there were some barns and other non-residential structures that were damaged.

Mike Price

Mike Price is an award winning journalist from Shelley. He is now one of the founding members and Editor-in-Chief of the Community Pioneer.

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