UPDATE (As of Sept. 18, 12:10 p.m.): Containment continues to steadily increase around the southern and eastern sides of the Chimney Fire, reaching roughly 48% containment on Wednesday.
The previous closure area around the fire has been reduced to a smaller area following successful firefighting efforts and significant precipitation over the past few days.
UPDATE (As of Sept. 16): The Chimney Fire size remained unchanged on Monday, but crews were able to increase containment to 32%. Expected rains should prevent the fire from growing.
Smoke may be visible from the Fairfield area, however, air quality is expected to significantly improve moving forward.
The Chimney Fire is the newest blaze in this ongoing fire season, currently sitting at just over 6,500 acres and 21% containment.
Firefighters are working with local Resource Advisors to enhance suppression and repair efforts. Warmer, drier weather led to a slight increase in fire activity yesterday, but there was no new spread. Crews are actively monitoring for hotspots and potential fire spread with both ground and aerial patrols.
They flattened berms from dozerline construction, installed water bars to prevent erosion, and scattered brush and cut vegetation to restore the area. Resource Advisors are ensuring that sensitive areas are protected and that the burned areas are properly restored. Repairs are also underway around cabins and infrastructure in the southern part of the fire. Increased smoldering was observed in heavy dead timber due to the drying weather. On the west side, crews are watching the Middle Fork of Lime Creek for any signs of increased activity. Suppression repair efforts will continue as crews work to make progress before upcoming storms.
The Sawtooth National Forest has implemented an emergency temporary closure area due to the Chimney Fire.
