Jay Peak Fire control line set, contained at 12 acres

NAPLES — The Idaho Department of Lands reports the 12-acre Jay Peak Fire East of Naples and 5 miles East of McArthur Lake is 100% contained.

According to Boundary County Public Information Officer Andrew O’Neel, rain and the lack of high winds helped keep the fire at 12 acres.

Completion of the control line and mop up operations began Tuesday, Aug. 17. The control line wrapped around 80-90% around the fire, containing it near the ridge top.

Again, the use of aircraft on Monday, Aug. 16, and the hard work of the crews and equipment worked to prevent the fire from expanding even in the hot and dry current conditions, O'Neel said.

The fire was reported Sunday afternoon, Aug. 15, with IDL crews responding with assistance from South Boundary Fire, Paradise Valley Fire and North Bench Fire Districts; the ground effort was supported by three Fire Boss attack aircraft.

The fire was initially reported as 0% contained and is burning in heavy downed timber. In addition, the rocky and steep terrain makes it difficult for firefighters to access, according to a news release.

Due to safety concerns, fire officials are closing Trail Creek Road at the end of the county road to the public. IDL is asking the public to avoid the area due to the fire and the ongoing firefighting activities.

No structures are threatened. IDL has one engine, one dozer, one excavator, a skidgen and two hand crews working to suppress the fire. In addition, a type 1 and type 2 helicopter are assisting with suppression efforts.

According to O’Neel, Boundary County is still under level 2 fire restrictions due to the extreme drought we're experiencing; dry weather is expected to return.