Fire damages public property in Bonneville County

Fire near Bonneville County Transfer Station Saturday night. | Courtesy photo, video provided by Trecia Trost

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department.

IDAHO FALLS – Idaho Falls Fire responded to a fire at 3690 Recycle Road in Bonneville County Saturday night.

It happened after 9:30 p.m. on a northern piece of property owned by the Bonneville County Transfer Station. The blaze was reported to be in a grassy area behind residences in the 4700 block of Pevero Drive.

Due to wind conditions and the flat terrain, the fire was able to grow quickly. When Idaho Falls Fire Fighters arrived on scene, the fire was approximately 100 yards wide and 100 yards long. In some areas, the fire was as close as 50 feet to houses.

Two light brush trucks from Idaho Falls Fire were able to quickly access the fire and start fighting it. Idaho Falls Police officers and Bonneville County deputies responded and notified residents in the 4700 block of Pevero Drive and Rock Hollow Lane to be ready to evacuate by knocking on doors and using an Alertsense sent by Emergency Communications Officers. Neighbors and residents used hoses to fight a section of the fire that made it into a backyard.

Two heavy brush trucks, two water tenders, a ladder truck and a Battalion Chief from Idaho Falls Fire arrived. Together, fire crews were able to quickly contain and knock down the fire. Crews remained on scene until about 11 p.m.

Fortunately, damage from the fire was limited to vegetation. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

As we move into the warm and dry weeks of the year, community members are reminded to be vigilant about safety when engaging in activities that come with a fire risk. Recreational fires, fireworks, outdoor cooking, controlled burns, and hot cars driving through dry grasses, among other things, can spark fires. Dry and hot conditions paired with Idaho winds provide ideal conditions for fires to grow rapidly. Report fires quickly by calling 911.