Fire managers discuss upcoming fire season in eastern Idaho

VIDEO: Our local fire departments are gearing up for Idaho's wildfire season. There was already a large fire in Roberts over the weekend. It has since been contained, but what could the rest of the fire season look like for eastern Idaho? Local News 8 spoke with both Jefferson County and Bureau of Land Management officials to find out. According to Chris Burger from the Idaho Falls district of the Bureau of Land Management, there is plenty of water from the snow in our region. That means grass, bushes, and shrubs will have moist ground, but when that vegetation dries out, there's lots more fuel to burn. Burger says the next eight to 10 weeks will be very important. "We'll likely have a delayed start to fire season. If we turn off hot and dry, then we could see an extended fire season and those fine fuels coming into being receptive to fire earlier in the year," Burger said.
KIFI-TV ABC/CBS/CW+ 8 Idaho Falls

Damage Estimated at $200,000 After House Fire in Lewiston

Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 3314 9th Street in Lewiston on Saturday evening. According to the Lewiston Fire Department, at 6:36 p.m., a caller reported to dispatchers that the fire was in the kitchen and all occupants were out of the building. First arriving crews found heavy fire coming from the carport area. Initial actions were taken to knockdown the fire and protect the structure next door. Crews then entered the structure and attacked the seat of the fire on the main floor. The fire was knocked down quickly and crews remained on scene for overhaul operations for approximately one hour. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage to the home is estimated at approximately $200,000. No injuries were reported.
Big Country News Connection

Two teens saved during water rescue in Middleton

Two teens fell into a waterway and were swept away by the strong current around 7:30 Friday night in Middleton. At approximately 7:30 p.m., first responders received a call about a person falling into the waterway and being taken away by the current. Deputy Fire Chief Victor Islas said, "At that time they let us know there was an additional person. So we had two people in the water." Deputy Chief Islas told me that they were able to locate the victims and pull them ashore. I was told they were able to walk out on their own after medics checked for injuries. I also can confirm that because they came back to gather their belongings they left behind. They were not able to speak on camera, but they did say they were thankful they were saved.
KIVI-TV ABC 6 Nampa