A New Major Fire Forces BLM To Close Southwest Idaho

Wildfire season in Idaho is no joke and the Idaho Bureau of Land Management is taking the massive fires seriously.

Idaho BLM Announces Major Closures

By now, you're probably aware of the fires that plagued eastern Oregon but now, there's a threat even closer to the greater Boise area in southwest Idaho and just seven miles southwest of Marsing.

According to the Idaho Bureau of Land Management, lightning struck "approximately 15 miles south and southwest of Marsing" on Monday, August 5th, sparking a fire that Idaho BLM notes, "has burned roughly 12,000 acres of grass and brush with 0% containment."

As a result, Idaho BLM announced that they are temporarily closing BLM-managed lands in Owyhee County including Jump Creek Recreation Site, and that closures will not affect private lands.

Officials remind people in the area to avoid driving through the smoke and to "obey all evacuation orders."

"This closure is essential to ensure public and firefighter safety and to allow fire fighting crews to respond effectively," Idaho BLM said in a press release.

"This closure will remain in effect until the risk of wildland fire subsides."

It's also important to remember that there are some serious consequences in the event that someone violates this order. According to Idaho BLM, violations include a fine of no more than $1,000 and could face jail time for up to 12 months.

On the other hand, people who are exempt from the closures include "federal, state, and local officers and employees in the performance of their official duties; members of organized rescue or fire-fighting forces in the performance of their official duties; and persons with written authorization from the BLM."