Crews corral Snake River Fire

Calm winds Thursday afternoon helped firefighters gain some ground on the 11,000-acre Snake River Fire burning on both sides of Lower Granite Reservoir about 20 miles west of Clarkston.

The fire that started Tuesday and grew quickly after being pushed by strong winds is now 30 percent contained. All evacuations have been lifted, and the fire is largely confined to the river canyon. Firefighters and area farmers are working to cut fire lines on the top of the Snake River breaks to keep the fire from climbing out of the canyon and into wheat fields.

Despite the increase in containment, up from 10 percent Wednesday, the fire was active in the canyon, according to a news release from the Type-3 team managing suppression efforts. The team is based at the Garfield County Fairgrounds near Pomeroy. The team also has a spike camp at Colton High School.

Fire suppression tactics include sending hand crews over the edge and into the steep canyon.

"That is what those hand crews are for. They will work in areas we can't get engines, so they will go straight up and down. They have the hardest job on the fire," said information officer Megan Hill.

Aircraft and engines are also being used to battle the fire that started along the Snake River across from Granite Point, a popular rock climbing and swimming spot. Winds with gusts up to 40 mph were strong enough to carry embers across the reservoir and spread the flames to the north side. From there, it climbed up a finger ridge and into Wawawai Canyon, where it threatened homes and torched one outbuilding. Some residents were given evacuation notices, but those have since been rescinded.

On the south side of the river in Garfield County, the fire killed 20 to 30 cattle during its first day. It has also damaged some crops but has mostly stayed in the canyon, where it consumed grass, brush and some trees.

Hill said firefighters are hopeful they can contain the fire in the near future, but she said weather will be the deciding factor.

"If we continue to have favorable weather, yes we are working to button it up as soon as possible," she said. "If the wind picks up, that might make it a little more challenging."

The Whitman County Sheriff's Office has questioned three people who reportedly built a campfire in the area prior to the wildfire erupting. Campfires and burning of any sort has been banned in the area since early June. It is not known if the campers will face charges. They have yet to be identified, and Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers did not return phone calls Thursday seeking more information on the fire investigation.

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2273. Follow him on Twitter @ezebarker.