The Boise Fire Department continues to battle a wildfire burning in the Boise Foothills northeast of North Claremont Drive. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 2,000 acres.

The initial call was received around 1:30 p.m. and Boise Fire crews responded immediately with a large multi-unit response, providing protection to a few structures that were threatened early on, but are no longer considered threatened.

Throughout the incident, Boise Fire issued Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and CodeRED notifications advising residents and visitors to avoid the area. People were instructed to immediately leave the Hulls Gulch Trail System and Military Reserve trail network. The public is urged to continue avoiding the area while firefighting operations remain underway.

The fire is moving north and northeast, and multiple aircraft are assisting firefighters with suppression efforts. Boise Fire is currently in Unified Command with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as the fire moves further into BLM land.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and there is currently no estimated time for containment.

Boise Fire would like to thank the Eagle Fire Department, BLM, United States Forest Service, Boise Police and Ada County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the foothills. Thank you also to the Meridian Fire Department for assistance back filling in the City of Boise.

Boise Fire reminds residents and visitors that wildfire conditions remain elevated. Everyone is encouraged to be aware of fire danger and avoid any activity that could ignite dry grass and vegetation.

“This incident is another reminder of just how fast fire can move in the Boise Foothills,” said Boise Fire Assistant Chief Brad Bolen. “Our foothills are extremely dry, and we ask everyone to do their part to help prevent fires this summer by using extreme caution while recreating outdoors. Stay on designated trails, avoid activities that could create sparks, and when emergency alerts or warnings are issued, leave the foothills immediately. Those warnings are issued to protect your safety and to give firefighters the space they need to do their job.”

Firefighters are also facing unique challenges within portions of the Military Reserve. Due to the presence of unexploded military ordnance remaining from the area’s historic use as a military training site, there are sections of the reserve that Boise Fire personnel cannot safely access. Firefighters are working closely with partner agencies while adapting suppression strategies around these hazardous areas.

The Boise Fire Department will continue providing updates as additional information becomes available on the Boise Fire Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BA4XRpFAF/

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