Fire crews are making quick work of a wind-driven grass fire burning north of Wendell. Authorities say the Salvage Fire broke out at around noon on Thursday three miles north of Wendell.
Officials first estimated the fire to be 3,000 acres in size, but due to more accurate mapping, the fire is now at 1,773 acres.
Units from Wendell rural Fire Department, Gooding Rural Fire Department, along with 11 Twin Falls District BLM engines, two dozers, two water tenders, seven overhead, three single engine air tankers (seat), one heavy air tanker, one air attack, one lead plane, and one helicopter are being used to combat the fire.
Reports state the aircraft were able to knock down most of the active fire on the south side with several retardant drops. Engine crews, with the help of the dozers, are working to create and secure the fire lines along the west and east sides. Crews were able to tie the north side of the fire into the Gooding Canal.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and BLM investigators are on the scene. The estimated containment is tomorrow, June 25th at 8:00 p.m
Authorities say the salvage fire is not currently threatening any buildings but flames were moving toward a car salvage lot.
