OLA, Idaho — Crews working the Goldrun Fire near Ola achieved 100% containment on Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Lands announced.
The fire was spotted Tuesday, July 18, in grass and timber about three miles northeast of Ola in northern Gem County. The Goldrun Fire has burned an estimated 799 acres, down from its previous size after crews "turned the corner" on fire suppression on Sunday.
The IDL said crews completed a line around the fire on Thursday, July 20. Now that the Goldrun Fire is fully contained, hose lays and other supplies will be returned as they are no longer needed in the area. Firefighters spent the weekend mopping up and securing fire lines. While assigned personnel will decrease, crews on-site will continue mop-up, monitor and repair efforts.
A total of 177 personnel are assigned to the fire as of Tuesday afternoon, with seven engines, five crews and an excavator. The excavator recently joined efforts to "ensure that any major impacts from the fire suppression efforts are assessed and repaired."
On Friday, July 21, the Idaho Department of Lands announced the Goldrun Fire was human caused.
Crews plan to patrol and monitor the fire "for the remainder of the summer." Due to the fire's size, 100% of its perimeter will be mopped up, while the fire's interior will continue to hold heat. Firefighters staying on the Goldrun Fire will ensure the only smoke is within containment lines.
"As work progresses this week, actions will continue to be fine-tuned to address the repair needs and achieve mop up standards. Firefighting resources are being assessed and assigned work to which they are best trained and equipped," the IDL's news release on Tuesday said.
The IDL said Holbrook Lane will remain closed "through the week" as crews continue working. A rancher was able to move cattle through the area on Tuesday through timed coordination with on-site personnel.
Due to tree-falling operations, High Valley Road was blocked from its intersection with Sweet - Ola Highway, east to its intersection with High Valley Road. No evacuation orders were issued by the Gem County Sheriff's Office as a result of the Goldrun Fire.
A smoke column appeared on Friday as a result of active fire at the drainage on the north side of Ola Summit. A combination of standing tree snags, dead ground fuels and live vegetation generated the smoke column.
Firefighters were dispatched to the Goldrun Fire just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sent fire engines and a dozer, the Forest Service sent hand crews, and the IDL sent an engine and fire crews. A total of 207 personnel are assigned to the fire, with four engines and a dozer Saturday.
Officials remind everyone to take care to prevent wildfires and to be aware of changing weather conditions.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.