UPDATED:
MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A wildfire burning south of Rexburg has grown to an estimated 100 acres after a spark from railroad bridge repair work ignited nearby vegetation.
According to Madison Fire, repair work was being done on a railroad bridge when a spark from grinding operations started a fire. Railroad workers attempted to extinguish it, but the fire quickly spread into a grain field before reaching sagebrush on the hillside.
Madison Fire Department crews are working alongside resources from the nearby Big Rock Fire and mutual aid partners. Air resources, bulldozers and local farmers are also helping with firefighting effort
Officials said approximately 60 to 70 personnel, 25 apparatus and numerous tractors are working to minimize the spread of the fire.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews are responding to a new wildfire burning on the southern portion of the bench in Madison County.
The Byrne Side Fire is currently being fought by multiple fire agencies, law enforcement and local farmers working to get ahead of the flames.
The south end of the bench, from approximately 8000 South 2300 East to 1600 East, is closed to traffic. Deputies are in the area turning drivers away.
Officials are asking people to avoid the area and not attempt to get closer to watch the fire. Additional traffic could interfere with firefighting operations.
Multiple planes and helicopters are also working the fire. Officials are warning people not to fly drones in the area because they can interfere with firefighting aircraft and potentially force aerial operations to stop.
People in the area are asked to follow all directions from firefighters and law enforcement.
Additional information on the fire’s size and containment was not available.
