Lavaside fire grows to more than 1,100 acres

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

FIRTH — Sixty firefighters are aggressively engaging the Lavaside Fire to protect structures. Strong winds from the south pushed the fire north creating extreme fire behavior. The fire has predominately burned private land and is mapped at 1,192 acres. Evacuations are being handled by the Bingham County Sheriff. A Red Cross shelter has been set up at A.W. Johnson Elementary. Please refrain from spring burning activities.  

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

Location and Jurisdiction: Started 3 mile southwest of Firth on private land. Visible from Interstate 15.  

Cause: Under investigation 

Fire Size: 1,192 acres 

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

Fire Behavior: Extreme fire behavior.  

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

Fire Crews/Resources: 13 engines, 1 dozer, 1 helicopter, and 1 handcrew. Fire departments from across east Idaho have responded (BLM, USFS, BIA, Shelley FD, Firth FD, Blackfoot FD, INL FD, Chubbuck FD, and Madison FD). 

Structures Threatened: Structure protection is in place and firefighters are diligently working to protect homes.  

Evacuations: Evacuations in place. Contact Bingham County Sheriff for more information. A Red Cross shelter has been set up at A.W. Johnson Elementary in Firth for anyone displaced by the fire.  

Closures: Closures in place near the fire for firefighter safety. Please avoid the area.