Bench Lake Fire (IDSTF)

First Reported: 2024-07-14 15:42:00 UTC on July 14, 2024
Inciweb page: IDSTF Bench Lake Fire
Size: 2595 Acres
Type: Wildfire
Status: Field Active
Percent Contained: 90%
Bench Lake Fire (2024-07-14)
2,595 acre wildfire (90% contained)
Sun Valley, Idaho, United States
Nearby Fires:
Wapiti Fire (2024-07-28)
129,063 acre wildfire (90% contained)
Idaho City, Idaho, United States
Bulltrout Fire (2024-07-28)
271 acre wildfire (92% contained)
Cascade, Idaho, United States
Frog (2024-09-10)
3,020 acre wildfire (100% contained)
Sun Valley, Idaho, United States
Middle Fork Complex Fire: Bulldog and ... (2024-08-10)
61,495 acre wildfire (95% contained)
Idaho City, Idaho, United States
Chimney Fire (2024-09-06)
6,521 acre wildfire (80% contained)
Fairfield, Idaho, United States
Goat Fire (2024-08-12)
35,648 acre wildfire (51% contained)
Cascade, Idaho, United States
Snag Fire (2024-08-08)
33,437 acre wildfire (90% contained)
Cascade, Idaho, United States
Dollar Fire (2024-08-07)
4,360 acre wildfire (8% contained)
Cascade, Idaho, United States
Boulder Fire (2024-07-28)
wildfire
Cascade, Idaho, United States

Wildfire Status:

The Bench Lake Fire, which ignited on July 11, 2024, approximately 8 miles south of Stanley, Idaho, has reached a size of 2,595 acres. As of the latest update, 90% of the fire's perimeter has been contained, and fire activity has significantly diminished. Minimal fire activity is currently being observed, with only smoldering pockets of heat noted along the western shoreline of Redfish Lake. The fire management has transitioned to local incident commanders, and the presence of a Type 4 team is ensuring that the situation remains stable.

Weather conditions have been favorable for containment efforts, with low potential for additional spread. The fire's west flank is expected to continue burning in isolated, sparse stands, but the risk of further expansion is mitigated by limited fuels and surrounding rock features. Fire suppression and repair plans have been completed, and crews are actively patrolling and monitoring the area to address any emerging issues.

Fire agencies have also been conducting essential repairs and maintenance on roads and trails affected by the fire, with some areas still requiring attention. The initial Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment is scheduled to take place, which is crucial for understanding the long-term impacts of the fire. Visitors to the area are advised to stay informed about closure zones related to the Bench Lake and Wapiti fires, ensuring safety as recovery efforts continue.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Containment History:

Date Percent Contained
2024-07-15 0% contained
2024-07-16 0% contained
2024-07-18 3% contained
2024-07-20 8% contained
2024-07-22 13% contained
2024-07-23 23% contained
2024-07-25 45% contained
2024-07-26 58% contained
2024-07-27 72% contained
2024-08-02 85% contained
2024-11-21 90% contained

Fire Growth History:

Date Fire Size (Acres) Fire Size (Square Miles) Fire Size (Square Kilometers)
2024-07-15 738 acres 1.2 sq mi 3.0 sq km
2024-07-16 1275 acres 2.0 sq mi 5.1 sq km
2024-07-18 1850 acres 2.9 sq mi 7.4 sq km
2024-07-19 2037 acres 3.2 sq mi 8.1 sq km
2024-07-20 2427 acres 3.8 sq mi 9.7 sq km
2024-07-21 2538 acres 4.0 sq mi 10.2 sq km
2024-07-22 2567 acres 4.0 sq mi 10.3 sq km
2024-11-21 2595 acres 4.1 sq mi 10.4 sq km