Power County Emergency Management

08/28/2026

Barkdull Rd, American Falls

08/20/2026

*****🚨North Heglar Fire 🚨*****
Fire Update

Aug 19 2026

8:29 PM

Fire Name: North Heglar
Location: North of Heglar Canyon Road
Ownership: Private with a threat to Federal (FS and BLM)
Resources: 6 engines 2 dozers,1 Air Attack Plane, 6 Large air tankers, 1 helicopter, and 1 hand crew.
Estimated Size: 700 acres
Fire Behavior: Active, torching, and running
Estimated Containment: 8/22 1800�Estimated Control: 8/23 1800

Southern flank has retardant about 3/4 of the way down to Heglar Canyon and is in timber stringers and checking itself up; still trying to get retardant down to the road. Northern flank has dozer line and will keep working that as long as it’s safe with engines following and mopping up. Fire activity is still active, transitioning to unified command with Raft River Fire Protection District.

EVACUATION INFORMATION:
Fire is not yet in Power County. It is in Cassia County. Cassia County has evacuated Mill Flats and Donkey Canyon areas.

Anyone camping in the area of Rockland between Houtz Canyon and Sheep Canyon should leave immediately.

Residents and visitors in the area should remain informed about current evacuation information. Please contact your local county emergency management office or local emergency officials for the most up-to-date information regarding evacuation areas, evacuation levels, and emergency notifications.


’sOffice
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🚨 North Heglar Fire🚨

At approximately 2:59 p.m., U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) Great Basin Unit 2– Twin Falls, in coordination with the Raft River Fire Protection District, U.S. Forest Service, and BLM Twin Falls District, responded to the North Heglar Fire 4 miles East of Heglar Canyon.

🔥 Firefighters are actively working to slow and stop forward fire progression 🔥

08/20/2026

Hegler Fire is moving towards Power County. EVACUATIONS are happening in Rockland now between Houtz Canyon and Sheep Canyon, if you or anyone you know are camping in the area, please leave immediately. Please stay away from the area. The fire is not yet in Power County, it is in Cassia County.

08/03/2026

Thank you to all the first responders who worked countless hours to help control this fire!

08/02/2026

LAKE CHANNEL FIRE EVENING UPDATE: 8/1/26:
U.S. Wildland Fire Service Great Basin Unit 3 - East Idaho in coordination with BLM Idaho Falls District continue to battle an active wildfire located near Massacre Rocks North of I-86 and the Snake River. Burned acreage has increased to 2516 acres as high temperatures and strong winds fueled active fire behavior this afternoon and evening.

Dozers, engines, and hand crews worked throughout the day reinforcing and holding existing containment lines, with help from large air tanker retardant drops. Difficult terrain and unpredictable weather are hampering containment efforts. A total of 101 personnel are working to contain this fire and reinforce the existing containment lines, including hand crews from U.S. Forest Service, USWFS dozers and engines, and county resources.

Situation Summary:
• Fire Name: Lake Channel Fire
• Location: North of I-86 and the Snake River, just West of Massacre Rocks in Power County.
• Size: Estimated 2516 acres
• Fire Behavior: Moderate, with running, torching, and spotting
• Protection: BLM
• Hazards/Concerns: Gusty and shifty winds, high temperatures and low humidities, Inaccessible terrain, WUI
• Cause: Lightning
• Estimated Containment: 70%
• Estimated Control: unknown
• Fuel type: Grass/Brush
• Structures Threatened: Yes

Resources:
• Ground Fire resources currently assigned include multiple engines, dozers, water tenders, hand crews, and Overhead personnel.
• Partners: Multiple partner agencies including U. S. Forest Service - Caribou-Targhee National Forest and State resources.
• Multiple air resources working all day today to assist the firefighters on the ground.

Firefighter and public safety is the highest priority. Please avoid the area and give the firefighters room to work.

Drones: IF YOU FLY, WE CAN’T. Remember that if you fly a drone over a fire, critical operations get suspended.

07/31/2026

The Lake Channel Fire is still burning. BLM is the lead on this fire. Estimated 1200 acres currently, 15% contained.
There are structures near the area but none are currently threatened. No evacuations at this time.
American Falls Rural Fire is fighting the fire along with BLM. They have been assisted with some equipment from Bonneville County and Idaho Deptartment of Lands.

07/30/2026

07/30/2026

As the Lake Channel Fire continues, it is very important that everyone stay away from the area and let the first responders do their jobs. Thank you for your cooperation.

07/29/2026

Good morning!

I am pleased to announce that we have received the test results and we have passed. The boil water order has now been officially lifted!

Your tap water is safe to use as normal for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, making ice, and all other household uses.

I sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout this process.

-Mayor Gilbert Hofmeister

07/28/2026

The following air quality information has been provided by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Group