BOISE, Idaho — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other local agencies responded to a fire in east Boise early Friday morning. The BLM and The Boise Fire Department (BFD) responded to the Valley Fire at 4 a.m. on Friday Oct. 4, it has grown to 7,871 acres as of Oct. 4 at 9:45 p.m.
This article will be updated, with the newest news at the top:
The Boise County Sheriff's Office said the spread of the fire appears to be under control and crews are monitoring the situation on Oct 5 around 2:30 p.m. The office added there were no changes in evacuation notices at this time.
The fire appears to be more under control. On Saturday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. the BLM announced it was still working on the fire with other agencies, the acreage size has not grown, and crews will spend the day strengthening containment lines and mopping up hot spots. There's also a possibility that Highway 21 will be closed in the afternoon for back burning operations, but the department said it would send out notifications if that happens. No new evacuation notices at this time.
Power has been restored to Robie Creek.
On the evening of Friday, Oct. 4, around 8:30 p.m., BFD said it's conducting "proactive fire operations."
People have been calling because some of the work can make it appear that the fire has substantially grown, but the department assured that they have the fire lines under control.
Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Friday, BFD announced evaluation rollbacks in Ada County. Those between Wild Horse Lane/Table Rock Road to Highway 21 and north of Warm Springs have returned to Level 1 "BE READY" status. The area was previously in "SET" status.
Also returning to "BE READY" are the Council Springs, Trapper Place and Foxgrove neighborhoods. Officials said the Valley Fire has burned more than 7,871 acres and is 0% contained as of Friday afternoon, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
The Boise County Sheriff's Office around 2 p.m. Friday announced that the Wilderness Ranch neighborhood as been placed in "BE READY." Robie Creek residents remain in "SET" status.
In an update from Boise Fire, at roughly 12 p.m., a Code Red "SET" notification was sent to Council Springs/Trapper Place/Foxgrove neighborhoods.
Bogus Basin is under "urgent" evacuation orders as of 2 p.m. Friday due to the Valley Fire, per the U.S. Forest Service. In an email to campers, the Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League, which was hosting a camp at Bogus Basin, said they are being evacuated from Bogus Basin. They ask that no one drives to Bogus Basin at this time.
Crews are actively working the scene, monitoring conditions and strengthening fire lines. The Eagle Fire Department is also assisting on the fire.
According to BLM, State Highway 21 is open to Idaho City. Warm Springs Avenue north is closed to Eckert Road for public and firefighter safety. Boise Fire previously announced pre-evacuation notices for residents in the Warm Springs area.
Idaho Power also responded to the area at roughly 9:45 a.m. Friday. The utility company turned off power in the area as a safety measure.
As of roughly 7:30 a.m., the Boise School District (BSD) announced it was closing East Junior High School and Dallas Harris Elementary School due to the fire and smoke in the area.
Any students on the bus at time of announcement will be taken to Les Bois Junior High School, where parents can pick their child up. BSD reminds folks to stay safe and follow any updates from local officials.
At roughly 8 a.m. on Friday, Riverstone International School has also closed for the day due to the fire. The school said they will see students on Monday.