GRANGEVILLE, Idaho — The Billy Creek Fire near the Snake River on the Idaho/Washington border that started on July 3, has grown to 3169 acres as of July 7 at 6 p.m. According to The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), there are structures in the area crews are working to save.
Additionally, the Incident Commander of the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 took command this morning.
There are still no evacuations or closures but IDL said 132 people are working and crews are using two dozers, two helicopters, five hand crews and three jet boats.
"The availability of crews and resources has been good due to light fire activity in the Northern Rockies early this season. Given the steep terrain and the forecasted hot, dry weather coming this week, the fire continues to present a significant challenge to the resources on the ground," a news release stated.
Additionally, weather may play a factor in controlling the blaze. Temperatures are expected to be in the triple-digits in upcoming days and winds may be high.
Previously IDL updated the fire condition on July 6.
"Fire crews are using direct and indirect fire suppression tactics which means keeping the fire perimeter as small as possible. Structure protection is in place through air support along the Snake River. Idaho Department of Lands has ordered a complex incident management team (CIMT). This team from The Northern Rockies will transition on Sunday to help manage this incident," a news release stated.
Planes have been used to contain the fire in recent days but the department reported they were unnecessary today. No word on when the fire will be contained.
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