Crews fight Tipanuk blaze

Crews from the Bureau of Land Management and Oasis rural fire protection agency responded to a fire near Tipanuk eight miles west of Mountain Home the evening of June 7.

Fire fighters acted quickly, keeping the fire limited to an estimated 40 acres.

Resources on scene include five engines, one dozer and one water tender along with two water tenders from the Orchard Training Range. The fire was contained at noon last Wednesday and listed as controlled later that evening.

The fire burned on private land but also threatened BLM land. Structures were also threatened with one residence sustaining minor damage.

The fire also threatened one horse, but a quick response by fire fighters was credited with protecting the animal.

A single engine air tanker made one retardant drop, helping greatly with suppression efforts, BLM officials said.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

"As we are expecting very high temperatures, winds and low humidity for the next few days, the possibility of wildfires is increasing dramatically," said BLM spokesman Rob Hansen. "With fine fuels rapidly drying out many different activities can start wildfires before you know it."

Hansen urged residents to use caution when using burn barrels in addition to trailers dragging chains and other activities that could start a wildfire. For more information about wildland fire and fire restrictions, visit: www.idahofireinfo.blogspot.com