RIGBY, Idaho — A wildfire that broke out near the bank of the Snake River in Jefferson County has been fully contained, and an evacuation notice that had been issued for nearby residents has been lifted, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Fire units are expected to remain in the area for several days to ensure the blaze does not spread further.
The Snake Fire ignited at approximately 3:45 p.m. on April 9 near East 550 North and North 4200 East, just north of Rigby, according to WatchDuty, a wildfire mapping application. The fire grew to 10 acres before crews were able to bring it under control. Officials confirmed the fire was caused by a controlled burn that escaped containment.
Multi-Agency Response Mobilized Across Eastern Idaho
More than 50 firefighters from multiple agencies across eastern Idaho were deployed to battle the fast-moving blaze. Central Fire Chief Nic White, who was on scene, confirmed the agencies involved included Central Fire, Robert Fire Department, Idaho Falls Fire Department, North Fremont Fire District, Swan Valley Fire District, the Bureau of Land Management, and Bonneville County Fire District 1.
The fire, which started on the south side of the Snake River, jumped the river at one point, forcing crews to work containment efforts on both banks simultaneously. Madison County marine deputies assisted firefighters from Jefferson and Madison counties by providing boat transportation to access the fire site along the river.
For more details on the initial response and how crews worked to stop the spread, see the earlier report on the Snake Fire burning near Rigby along the Snake River.
Evacuation Threat Prompted Door-to-Door Resident Notifications
As the fire spread rapidly, officials issued a precautionary evacuation notice for residents south of West 6800 South, 7800 South, and 8200 South, and west of 400 West on those roads — an area described as homes west of Big Juds restaurant and along the river corridor. Deputies went door to door to notify residents and urged compliance with all official orders.
A relief area had been designated at the Red Brick Lyman Church at 1952 West 6000 South in the event a full evacuation order was issued. Residents were also directed to warn.pbs.org for the most up-to-date information on fire conditions and evacuation notices throughout the event.
Officials noted that while the fire is now contained, residents should remain prepared in the event that conditions change. Authorities urged the public to continue monitoring official government channels for any updates.
What Comes Next
Fire units from the responding agencies are expected to remain stationed in the area for the next several days, conducting mop-up operations and monitoring for any signs of re-ignition. Officials have emphasized that containment does not mean the threat has fully passed, and that weather and wind conditions could still affect the situation.
Residents in the affected area are advised to stay informed through official sources and heed any future notices from local emergency management officials. The fire serves as a reminder of the risks associated with controlled burns during periods of dry or windy conditions across Bonneville County and the broader eastern Idaho region.
For statewide wildfire updates and coverage of other public safety developments across Idaho, visit Idaho News. Additional regional reporting is available through the Idaho News Network.