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Lava Fire

Unit Information

1249 S. Vinnell Way 
Boise, 
Idaho 
83709 
1249 S. Vinnell Way 
Boise, 
Idaho 
83709 

Incident Contacts

  • Email:
    SM.FS.boise_inbox@usda.gov
    Phone:
    208-384-3266

Lava Fire Daily Update October 3, 2024 10-03-2024

Lava Fire
Publication Type: News - 10/03/2024 - 07:22

In the fire's interior where heat remains, it will continue to smolder and creep within the fire perimeter with minimal intensity. Smoke will be present until winter snows fully extinguish remaining heat.  

Current Situation:  

  • The Lava Fire is 88% contained at 97,615 acres, with 501 personnel assigned. A notable increase in containment is expected over the next several days near God’s Acres and Willow Creek on the northeastern and eastern side of the fire.  
  • In these areas, over 100 firefighters are working in steep terrain, directly along the fire perimeter, to secure hotspots.  
  • Interior pockets of unburned fuel are slowly being consumed by fire, creating visible smoke columns on the slopes above Lake Cascade. These smokes are not a threat to containment nor to adjacent communities. 
  • It is not safe for firefighters to enter deep into the interior of the fire perimeter due to frequent hazard trees and steep slopes.  
  • Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is helping ground crews to target any remaining heat that could escape containment lines. 

Weather: Although the temperature is cooling, dry conditions persist. The low relative humidity will reach a near critical level. Nevertheless, fire behavior will remain minimal, and the fire will continue to smolder. The area still retains moisture from the rain event two weeks ago. With shorter daylight hours as fall progresses, there is less available solar radiation to preheat and dry fuels, which would make them receptive to fire. 

Evacuations: A Level 1 “READY” notice remains for residents south of South Grays Creek, along Little Weiser River Road in Indian Valley, North of South Grays Creek Road to Highway 95, and the Mesa Area. Learn more at Gem County Sheriff's Office. 

Valley County Sheriff’s Office has removed Zones 2 & 3 from LEVEL 1 “READY” status. Zones 4 – 6 remain in a LEVEL 1 “READY” status. Learn more at Valley County Sheriff's Office. 

Closures: The Boise and Payette National Forests have adjusted the Lava Fire area closure yesterday, increasing access for the public to select areas north and south of the fire perimeter. For updated map and closure information visit Closure areas | Boise National Forest | Facebook. 

Road Closures: Third Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, Second Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, and Nesbitt Lane. Check out updated Gem County closure information at Gem County Sheriff's Office. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect. View a map of the TFR and details at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_8199.html. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if unauthorized aircrafts, including drones, enter the TFR. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly. 

Fire Info Phone: 208-780-5003  Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Email: 2024.Lava@firenet.gov   

Facebook: @LavaFire Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-lava-fire