HEISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Big Rock Fire near Heise and Kelly Canyon Resort remains very active and at 0% containment as officials warn people to stay out of the fire area and obey road closures.
“Crews were able to secure Heise Road on the first night, and we were able to protect all the structures along Heise Road – working to the west and then to the north, up in the ag fields up to the north of the fire, up on the mesa.” said Incident Commander Type III Kory Davis, who’s helping lead the Bureau of Land Management efforts to fight the fire. “Then we were able to secure a fire perimeter edge along Kelly Canyon up on the rim there, keeping fire out of Kelly Canyon.”
More than 125 firefighters are combatting the blaze. The men and women are split into four crews – with 15 fire engines, five bulldozers, multiple water tenders and two helicopters.
Officials said current road closures are expected to remain in place through the coming week and could be extended depending on fire conditions and ongoing operations. South Snake River Road, Lyons Creek Road and Forest Service Roads east of Kelly Canyon are off limits.
Emergency crews have reported people attempting to get closer to the fire by going around barricades and road-closed signs. Officials are asking the public not to bypass those closures.
“We understand people may want to get a closer look at the fire, but the roads are closed for a reason,” said the Madison County Sheriff‘s Office in a social media post. “Do not circumvent barricades, road-closed signs, or other closures to access the fire area.”
Officials said entering closed areas creates additional safety concerns and could interfere with firefighters and law enforcement working near the fire.
People in the area are being asked to follow instructions from fire personnel and law enforcement and stay away from active fire operations.
Officials said additional updates will be released as conditions change.
