FRANKLIN COUNTY – Fire fighters battling a wildfire 13 miles north of Preston in Franklin County believe it will be fully contained by Friday night, August 16.
The fire was first reported around 3:30 Thursday afternoon between Treasureton Road and Johnson Road, according to the East Idaho Interagency Fire Center (EIIFC).
Kelsey Griffee, EIIFC spokesperson, said the fire consumed 363 acres of private forested land and was 75% contained as of Friday morning.
Fire crews from Cache County, Franklin County, Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service were called in to battle the blaze and build a containment line.
Five fire engines, two bulldozers and one water tender were deployed to fight the fire. A helicopter and air tanker dropped retardant on the area.
“The mopping up process will continue through the day today,” said Griffee. “Crews have a long day ahead of them working through that burned area and making sure there are no more hot spots.”
Griffee said they are concerned about the rough terrain in the area as well as wind and heat.
“Crews will be working pretty hard today,” she said. “It is a not so glamorous part of the job.”
The fire is human caused, according to authorities. Griffee said farm equipment is to blame.
There were no structures threatened or evacuations. No injuries were reported.