By Mike Mooney
The Idaho Falls Post Register
SALMON, Idaho — Fire crews battling the Halstead Fire in the Salmon-Challis National Forest reached a significant milestone Wednesday — 50 percent containment.
“We’re halfway there; how about that?” spokesman Bernie Pineda said.
As of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, the fire had burned 153,995 acres but progress was continuing in the fight to keep the blaze from consuming homes and businesses.
“The fire is less threatening now than at any point (since it started),” Pineda said.
A July 27 lightning strike ignited the blaze, which was still burning about three miles northwest of Stanley late Wednesday.
Fire crews battling the Mustang Complex fire also reported a “very successful day” spokeswoman Annaleasa Winter said.
But an inversion layer, which held down the flames, continued to spread heavy smoke, Winter said.
While the 294,760-acre fire remained just 16 percent contained, firefighters were able to take advantage of Wednesday’s favorable weather conditions. They completed a number of successful “burnout” operations — getting rid of dried brush and other potential fuels, Winter said.
Earlier Wednesday, the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office downgraded an evacuation warning for the Indian Creek area.
Those returning to their homes were warned to watch for possible hazards, including weakened trees, smoldering debris around property and possibly damaged power lines.
The U.S. Highway 93 corridor remained under a Level 3 (mandatory) evacuation notice from the North Fork Fire Station to Quartz Creek, just north of Gibbonsville.
In the Hull and Hughes Creek drainages, a slow backing fire continued to work toward Highway 93 on Wednesday night, Winter said.
But the favorable weather forecast may allow firefighters to use a direct-attack approach in those areas today, she said.
In the Halstead Fire, crews will continue to monitor the fire’s progression today near the Loon Creek Guard Station, Diamond D Ranch, Bonanza and Marsh Creek drainage.
Additionally, structure protection will continue along state Highway 75, Yankee Fork, Sunbeam, Lost Packer Mine and Seafoam Guard Station.
“I wouldn’t say we’ve turned the corner (on the Halstead Fire), but we’re getting pretty close to that corner,” Pineda said.
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