Bench Lake Fire (IDSTF)

Wildfire Status:

The Bench Lake Fire, which ignited on July 11, 2024, is currently located approximately 8 miles south of Stanley, Idaho. As of now, the fire has burned through an area of 2,595 acres and is reported to be 90% contained. The incident is being managed by Josh Switzer as the Incident Commander, with support from trainee Miguel A Martinez. There are currently 11 personnel assigned to the fire, which has shown minimal activity recently, primarily smoldering pockets of heat along the western shoreline of Redfish Lake.

Fire management has undergone a transition from Nevada Team 1 to local command as of August 4. Continuous monitoring and suppression efforts are in place, with crews patrolling both by air and ground. The fire's potential for additional spread is low due to limited fuels and the presence of extensive rock features, although isolated and sparse stands of fuel on the west flank may continue to burn. The planned actions include repairing and maintaining roads and trails affected by the fire, with ongoing assessments to evaluate the long-term impacts of the incident.

Weather conditions in the area have been conducive to fire suppression, aiding in the efforts to control the blaze. Firefighters are conducting reconnaissance flights to monitor for any interior pockets of heat, which are expected to remain within the established fire perimeter. Visitors to the region are urged to respect closure areas related to both the Bench Lake and Wapiti fires, as posted on the Forest Service website. Additionally, an initial Burned Area Emergency Response assessment has been scheduled, which is critical for understanding the fire's potential long-term effects on the environment.

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

Containment History:

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