Idaho Firefighters Standing Ground Against Wildfire

Sept. 02--FEATHERVILLE -- Firefighters lined the upper south fork corridor of the Boise River Sunday, laying hoses and other protective measures to prevent the blaze from reaching homes near the north side of the river, said David Chevalier, Kelley Fire information officer. Crews were trying to prevent the wildfire from jumping across the Boise River where seven houses stand between 100 and 200 yards from the shore.

The wildfire grew more than four times its size since Friday, when it was measured at around 1,000 acres. Widespread flames threatened the Baumgartner Campground Saturday, one of the most pristine in the area, and caused additional road closures to portions of Forest Road 166 and the Mountain Home Ranger District, Chevalier said.

"The guys did a miraculous job saving the campground yesterday," he said.

Despite its massive growth potential, the Kelley Fire is not expected to put people, animals or anything of value in eminent danger.

Jennifer Myslivy was among 391 firefighters extinguishing volatile areas Sunday.

"We saw three significant columns today in the Deadwood Creek area. I know there was a spot west of Boardman Creek, it was picking up pretty good," Myslivy said. "Some of the areas were backing down on the south side of the Boise River. There were Hotshot crews watching that the fire didn't go over the river."

Three Type 1 Incident Management helicopters circled the wildfire, making 5,000 gallon drops of water and retardant Sunday night.

Much of the burning landscape is under a flood watch from the National Weather Service. Up to half an inch of rain per hour Tuesday could significantly increase containment of the Kelley Fire, which was around 7 percent contained Sunday night.

"The rain is going to change everything and it all depends on what is going to happen. We have high expectations the rain will benefit the fire," Chevalier said. "The rain will increase the containment in an immeasurable amount. We can be hopeful because any rainfall or increased humidity is a bonus. It's like adding extra firefighters, but it might hamper air operations that would try to continue drops during rainfall."

Lightning caused the blaze Saturday, Aug. 24 seven miles southeast of Featherville. Spruce, fir, sagebrush and grass were burning as the fire spread to the east Sunday night. Firefighting efforts at times was considered "extremely difficult" as 18 mph winds spread flames over rough terrain.

Chevalier encourages people to call 877-208-2202 for more information or www.inciweb.org.

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