2024 Valley Fire Update
Saturday, October 19, 2024
| Valley Fire Details
Location: 1 mile east of Boise, Idaho Reported: October 4, 2024 Cause: Under investigation Acres: 9,904 Containment: 90% |
Incident Updates Management: Nevada Team 2 Type 3 Team Contact: Robbie Johnson Cell: 208-908-1786 Incident Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdahoDepartmentofLands |
Incident Activity: About 65% of the 33 miles of dozer and handline created to contain the Valley Fire has been repaired to a more natural state ready for regrowth. That percentage is expected to increase significantly today. Suppression repair work will be more visible in Southeast Boise this weekend. Firefighters and heavy equipment operators will be making repairs in steep areas near Council Spring Road in Harris Ranch. This is challenging work and it is important that the public honor trail closures for firefighter and public safety. Seed has arrived at the Valley Fire Incident Command. The seed is carefully selected to suit the Boise Foothills landscape and will be mixed prior to being spread on the repaired fire suppression/containment lines. Nevada Team 2 will have a public information officer in the Council Spring Road area available for public questions and to assist media. Please contact Robbie Johnson, Nevada Team 2/Idaho Department of Lands Public Information Officer for questions, additional information, or interview requests.
Trail Closures in Valley Fire Area: All roads and trails on the Boise Front segment of the Boise River WMA west of Highway 21 and north of Warm Springs Avenue remain closed to all entry until further notice. This closure also extends to all travel off roads and trails. The public is asked to please honor closure signs at trailheads even if fire activity is not visible. Members of the public have been recreating in closed areas. This poses a safety risk to the public and fire crews. Fire operations including the use of heavy equipment are ongoing. Please refer to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Boise River Wildlife Management Area Closure information webpage for maps and details: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/portion-boise-river-wmas-boise-front-segment-closed-all-entry-due-valley-fire. Specifics on closed trails can be found on the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Interactive Trail Map: https://arcg.is/10maj91
Video Tour of Valley Fire Damage in Boise Foothills: View and download video from an ATV ride that shows the extent of damage from the Valley Fire and get a panoramic view from the top. Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mnld8gfudu1o4yemfbtkq/Video-Tour-of-Valley-Fire-Damage-101624-by-Robbie-Johnson.mov?rlkey=y64v6g7h96muzjhhtvhvb23n8&st=met9fy3q&dl=0. Use the QR code at the top of this update to access all official Valley Fire videos and images.
Weather: Freezing overnight temperatures again under clear skies in the Valley Fire camp where fire crews are staying as they get closer to wrapping up work on suppression repair. Highs in the Valley Fire area will be an average of around 55 degrees with no meaningful precipitation in the forecast.
Valley Fire Overview: The fire was reported Friday, October 4, 2024, about 1 mile east of Boise on the north side of Idaho State Highway 21. The fire was very visible from East Boise as it burned in mostly grassy fuels in the Boise Foothills. Quick work on initial attack stopped the fire from reaching nearby homes. The current fire cost estimate is $4.2 million.
Most wildfires are caused by humans. Be part of the solution – learn how!
- Be aware of and follow all fire restrictions
- During closed burn season, before burning debris apply for a free burn permit – it’s the law
- Use campfires safely by staying clear of flammable debris and burning on mineral soil
- Maintain vehicles and OHVs properly – especially their tires – so you don’t spark a fire
- Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and cause a fire
- Never park over dry grass because hot exhaust systems can start a fire