BOISE, Idaho — UPDATE (as of July 13 at 9:15 a.m.):
Firefighters continue making progress on the Claremont Fire, which has grown to an estimated 6,805 acres following an infrared flight conducted Sunday night.
As of Monday, July 13, the USFS Idaho - Great Basin reports the fire is 57% contained, with an estimated containment date of Aug. 1.
Cloud cover on Sunday helped moderate fire behavior, allowing crews to continue building and improving containment lines. Fire officials say the western portion of the fire, which is burning in lower shrublands, now has strong containment lines in place.
The most challenging area remains along Boise Ridge Road on the north and east sides of the fire, where steep, difficult-to-access terrain has slowed suppression efforts.
Crews have been using dozers and masticators to widen fuel breaks and strengthen containment lines in the area.
Firefighters also continue structure protection efforts, with hand crews and engines assessing homes at risk and preparing for the possibility that gusty winds could carry embers beyond containment lines over the coming days.
A total of 355 personnel are assigned to the fire.
The Bureau of Land Management has expanded and extended its temporary closure of BLM-managed lands, roads and trails between 8th Street, Rocky Canyon Road and Boise Ridge Road through Aug. 1.
Officials say the closure is necessary to protect both firefighters and the public while suppression operations and post-fire rehabilitation work continue. 8th Street, Rocky Canyon Road and Boise Ridge Road will remain closed until further notice.
The fire remains under investigation by the Ada County Sheriff's Office and Boise Fire Department.
This is a developing story. Idaho News 6 will update this story as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Fire officials have pushed back the Claremont Fire's containment date to Aug. 1 — a significant delay from the previously expected date of Sunday, July 12.
As of the evening of July 11, the USFS Idaho - Great Basin reports the fire is 57% contained.
The delay comes after crews ran into several obstacles. Recent rainfall has left fuels not fully burning, and the presence of unexploded military ordnance has made it difficult to hold fire lines. Officials cite "difficulties in getting firing operations to consume fuels between existing control features and the active fire perimeter" as the primary reason for the updated timeline.
On Saturday, crews performed a burnout operation along the northeast corner of the fire, near Ridge Road and 8th Street. The operation resulted in heavier smoke in the area, but fire officials say it did not cause the fire to expand beyond control lines.
The Boise District BLM has also extended its closure order of BLM-managed lands and trails to July 12 at 11:59 p.m.
This is a developing story. Idaho News 6 will update this story as more information becomes available.
