The Idaho Falls Fire Department reminds residents to only use legal fireworks in a safe manner after responding to a vegetation fire in Bonneville County Thursday night.
Around 10:24 p.m., multiple people began calling 911 to report a fire burning in vegetation near Power House Drive. Some callers reported that the wind was pushing the fire toward multiple homes.
Multiple water tenders
Four fire engines were dispatched to protect structures, and multiple brush trucks were used to begin putting out the blaze. Additionally, multiple water tenders and a battalion chief responded to assist in putting out the fire. In total, 25 personnel were on the scene. The fire was contained around 11:47 p.m., but firefighters remained on the scene until after 1 a.m. to mop up hotspots.
It is estimated that the fire burned less than five acres, but no structures were damaged, and civilians and firefighters were not injured. Several callers reported to dispatch that the fire was started by someone lighting off fireworks in the area. The Idaho Falls Fire Department wants to remind all people of the importance of following fireworks safety and only using ‘safe and sane’ fireworks. All aerial fireworks are illegal under Idaho law.