HORSESHOE BEND, Idaho — On Sunday afternoon, a simple brush fire exploded into an uncontrolled wildfire that prompted evacuations and burned approximately 25 acres north of Horseshoe Bend.
According to a deputy with the Boise County Sheriff's Office, the fire started around 2 p.m. near Cook Gulch Road, and by 2:55 p.m., the blaze was moving quickly towards State Highway 55. Spurred by strong early afternoon winds, the fire's rapid movement prompted authorities to issue a Level 1 Evacuation Notice for the impacted areas. A Level 1 Evacuation Notice cautions residents to "get ready" to leave at a moment's notice.
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Thanks to firefighters from Garden Valley Fire, Eagle Fire, and Horseshoe Bend Fire Department, the wildfire was subdued by 4 p.m., and the evacuation order was lifted.
This incident is a valuable reminder to property owners that small brush fires or prescribed burns can get out of hand quickly.
Idaho Firewise recommends the following in order to "Burn Safely":
- Watch the weather. Avoid burning on windy, hot, and dry days. Wait to burn if: winds are over 8-mph, temperature is above 80 degrees, and thunderstorm activity is predicted.
- Be prepared. Have enough people, water, and equipment/hand tools available to control the fire.
- Dress appropriately. Wear long sleeves and pants, a hat, and leather gloves and boots. Use a bandanna over your month to protect your lungs.
- Make a firebreak before you start.
- When burning fields, ditch banks or fence lines it is always safest to ignite against the wind.
