FRANKLIN COUNTY, Idaho — Fire crews have made significant progress battling the Rocky Knoll Fire in southeast Idaho, achieving 50 percent containment by Thursday evening. The blaze, burning 2.5 miles east of Thatcher near the Trout Creek drainage, is now mapped at 191.5 acres.
According to the Idaho Bureau of Land Management the fire, which started Wednesday, burned actively in grass, brush, and juniper. While air operations concluded at nightfall, ground crews continued working to secure the fire line. A total of 18 aircraft were used in support of the suppression efforts. Fire managers anticipate using helicopters and bucket drops to continue containment operations today.
Multiple engines, water tenders, dozers, and a handcrew from BLM, U.S. Forest Service, Caribou County Fire, and Franklin County Fire are assigned to the incident.
No evacuations are in effect, though structures are nearby. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Officials remind the public to avoid the area and to not fly drones near wildfires, as it can halt air operations.