BLM expects all area fires to be controlled soon

Bureau of Land Management wildfire crews have contained three major fires burning in this area and expect to have them all controlled by Tuesday.

All of the fires were caused by lightning storms that passed through the area Saturday evening.

The largest of the fires was the Grindstone fire, which burned 21,619 acres in an area just east of the Saylor Creek Training Range.

Driven by high winds, the fire was dangerous and difficult to fight. Eventually, the BLM committed seven engines, two dozers, three water tenders and a helicopter to the blaze.

It was contained Sunday night.

About an hour after that fire began Saturday, the Hot Springs Fire was sparked south of Bruneau.

The Bruneau Rural Fire Department along with two Twin Falls District dozers and five engines worked through the night to suppress that fire, which burned 10,515 acres before being contained Sunday.

The Boise District BLM also worked the Walker Fire, which burned 238 acres about five miles northwest of Glenns Ferry. It was declared fully controlled early Sunday evening. Two engines, two water tenders a doze and on the first night, a helicopter, were used to put out that blaze.