Single Publication

Persistent heat exists within the fire interior. Friday’s strong winds fanned pockets of heat, increasing fire activity inside containment lines. The fire will continue to smolder and creep within the existing perimeter, consuming available fuels. With this slightly increased fire behavior, increased smoke production has been observed west of Lake Cascade. Smoke production will continue within the fire perimeter until significant winter snows fully extinguish remaining heat. 

Current Situation:

• The Lava Fire is 88% contained at 97,560 acres with 416 personnel assigned. Continued changes in acreage are due to daily updates from fire line mapping by ground-based resources. 
• A small 1/10-acre spot fire on the east side of the fire was discovered outside the fire perimeter yesterday and was quickly attacked and contained by firefighters. Pockets of fuel continue to burn in the fire’s interior.
• The fire on the northeast corner continues to slowly back down to the 435 road, which will be used as a containment feature once fire reaches it.
• Helicopters delivered 15,000 gallons of water to the fire line yesterday and the unmanned aerial system (drone) was used on the fire perimeter to detect heat sources to assist ground forces with locating hot spots.

Weather: High temperatures will be in 50s at ridgetops, 60s over rest of fire, with light winds. Southwest winds increasing on ridgetops overnight up to 20 mph. On Sunday, winds will be higher on ridge tops, with southwest winds gusting to 12 mph in the valleys, occasionally to 20 mph. Relative humidity will fall into the upper teens Sunday during the peak heat of the day. Fire behavior remains minimal, with creeping and smoldering observed. As fuels continue to dry out under unseasonably warm and dry weather, they are more likely to carry fire.

Evacuations: In Gem County, 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. In Valley County, 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 adjusted the Lava Fire area closure on September 30, increasing access for the public to access 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