Crews still working to contain Lavaside fire

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a news release from the Bureau of Land Management.

Firefighters worked late into the evening to get a handle on the Lavaside Fire, which is approximately 190 acres. Fire activity has decreased this morning but is expected to pick up this afternoon as winds increase. Firefighters are working to secure the north and south edges of the fire. Thick juniper, willow, and cottonwood vegetation filled with heat are making extinguishment difficult. A 20-person handcrew is arriving this afternoon to assist with saw work and mop up. Please take care while conducting spring cleaning like debris, ditch, and field burning.  

RELATED: Fire has burned nearly 200 acres along Firth river bottoms

Start Date: April 21, 2021 at approximately 3 p.m. 

Location and Jurisdiction: 4 miles west of Firth, visible from Interstate 15. Started on private land.  

Cause: Under investigation 

Fire Size: 190 acres 

Percent Contained:  25% contained, estimated containment for April 24 at 6 p.m. 

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior has decreased but is expected to pick up this afternoon as winds increase.  

Fuels and Terrain: Thick brush, cottonwood and juniper along the Snake River.  

Fire Crews/Resources: 6 engines, 1 dozer (BLM, USFS, BIA) and 4 engines (Shelly & Firth Fire Department).  

Structures Threatened: Structures are no longer threatened.  

Evacuations: No evacuations.    

Closures: No closures.