BLM issues emergency fire closure in Williams Lake area due to Thunder Fire

SALMON, Idaho—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Salmon Field Office is temporarily closing BLM-managed public lands in Lemhi County, due to the risk of the nearby Thunder Fire. This closure is essential to ensure public and firefighter safety and to allow fire fighting crews to respond effectively. This closure will remain in effect until the risk of wildland fire subsides.

The temporary closure includes all BLM-managed public lands south of Williams Creek Road, and west and north of Williams Lake Road. Additionally, BLM-managed public lands north and west of Lakeview Drive, including the Williams Lake Campground, will also be temporarily closed.  This order does not include private land.  Please see the map for a visual look of the closure area.

The Thunder Fire is believed to have been sparked by lightening on Wednesday, July 24, approximately 12 miles south and southwest of Salmon. At the time of this announcement, the fire has burned roughly 2,200 acres of fir trees and grass with 0% containment. The blaze is showing extreme fire behavior with torching and crowning, burning and jumping along treetops, and throwing out spot fires. A Red Flag Warning is in effect today, which is expected to bring gusty winds and dry conditions. 

Public and wildland firefighter safety are BLM’s highest priority. Please be aware that firefighting crews and emergency vehicles will be in the area. Do not drive into smoke. The BLM encourages the public to obey all evacuation orders issued by the Sheriff’s Office. For the latest information on the Thunder Fire, visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idscf-thunder-fire.