BC South Fire Protection District

09/04/2026

Firehouse Story Squad at the Hailey Public Library!

Blaine County Fire & Rescue had a fun morning reading to children at the Hailey Public Library!

On the first Friday of each month, BCFR members read books geared primarily toward preschool-aged children. After story time, the kids can meet our firefighters and EMTs and check out a fire engine and ambulance, depending on availability.

The event is free and open to all children. We hope to see you at the next Firehouse Story Squad!

09/03/2026

HISTORIC CONSOLIDATION APPROVED

September 1 marked a historic moment for Blaine County. The boards of the Ketchum Fire District and BC South Fire Protection District approved an agreement to consolidate the two districts and form Blaine County Fire & Rescue.

“This is a historic moment for Blaine County, and I am proud to have been selected to lead such an outstanding group of people,” said Blaine County Fire & Rescue Chief Crawley. “Our members deserve the credit for what the public is already seeing.”

Since July 1, personnel from Ketchum, Hailey and BC South have been operating together under a joint powers agreement. Through joint operations, shared staffing and cross-training, our members have demonstrated what consolidation looks like in the field while maintaining a consistent standard of professionalism.

Under Idaho law, the consolidation will become effective 30 days after the boards’ approval unless a petition objecting to the consolidation is filed during that period. The petition must be signed by at least 25 percent of the qualified electors of either fire protection district. If a qualifying petition is filed, the consolidation will be decided through a public election.

Hailey voters are also expected to consider a separate ballot measure in November that will determine whether the Hailey Fire Department formally joins Blaine County Fire & Rescue. Until then, Hailey personnel will continue operating alongside the other participating agencies under the joint powers agreement.

“This milestone is worth celebrating, but our work is not finished,” Chief Crawley said. “We will continue working together, serving professionally and earning the public’s trust.”

We are proud of how far we have come and look forward to continuing to serve our communities together.

08/30/2026

STRUCTURE FIRE QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED IN KETCHUM

At approximately 2:41 p.m. on August 29, Blaine County Fire and Rescue responded from its Ketchum Station to a reported electrical problem at a residence. The homeowner reported seeing light smoke coming from the main floor of the house.

Upon arrival, the crew from Ketchum Engine 1 began investigating and discovered an active fire in a bathroom. The fire may have been started by a baseboard heater located below a vanity. Firefighters quickly went to work and knocked down the fire, preventing it from spreading further into the structure.

Crews then carefully checked the residence for any extension of the fire and remained on scene until they confirmed there was no threat of rekindling. The home was then turned back over to the homeowners.

To maintain coverage in the North Valley, Engine 651 moved up from Hailey while crews operated at the structure fire. Before the fire call was completed, crews in the South Valley also handled two EMS calls.

Blaine County Fire and Rescue was assisted through mutual aid by the City of Sun Valley Fire Department. No injuries were reported.

08/27/2026

🚒 2026 Blaine County Fire Academy Kicks Off! 🚒

The 2026 Blaine County Fire Academy officially kicked off tonight!

Over the next three months, our cadets will take part in extensive training as they build the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to serve their communities as firefighters.

We wish all of this year’s cadets the best of luck throughout the academy and thank them for their commitment, dedication, and willingness to serve their communities.

Good luck, cadets! We look forward to watching your progress over the next three months!

08/20/2026

Effective immediately, all private property within the BC South Fire Protection District is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These restrictions were adopted by the district’s Board of Fire Commissioners on August 19, 2026, to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

While restrictions are in effect, the following activities are prohibited:

• Using an open flame outside of an approved, permanently constructed fire ring or residential fire pit with a spark screen
• Using fireworks, exploding targets, tracers, rockets or other incendiary devices
• Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site or a cleared area at least three feet in diameter
• Operating a combustion engine without a properly installed and maintained spark arrestor
• Welding or using an acetylene or other open-flame torch

Violations are unlawful and may be charged as a misdemeanor.

Public lands in and around Blaine County are also under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Conditions remain extremely dry, and everyone is asked to use extreme caution and help prevent human-caused fires.

To determine whether your property is within the BC South Fire Protection District, visit:
https://maps.wrfr.com/bcsfpd.php

08/12/2026

Last night, August 11th, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Blaine County Fire and Rescue was paged to a grass and brush fire along the highway near mile marker 106, south of Bellevue.

Upon arrival, crews found flames burning through grass and brush and threatening nearby trees. Engine 653, staffed with three crew members, quickly extinguished the fire and prevented it from spreading into nearby fields, with Water Tender 673 providing additional support.

The fire was knocked down at approximately 11:47 p.m. and declared out at 12:43 a.m.

No property damage or injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Conditions in the area remain extremely dry. Blaine County Fire and Rescue reminds everyone to use extreme caution with anything that could create a spark or flame, as even a small spark can quickly ignite a fast-moving grass or brush fire.

08/07/2026

Not every rescue involves lights and sirens. 🐈🚒

This afternoon, Blaine County Fire and Rescue came to the aid of a house cat that had fallen into the dumpster at BCFR Station 3, just south of Bellevue, and couldn’t get back out.

BCFR member Devon King went to work and was able to safely rescue the curious feline. After a quick check, the cat was released and appeared to be unharmed.

Just another day on the job for Blaine County Fire and Rescue. We’re always happy to lend a helping hand or paw! 🐾

08/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest/posts/pfbid035Qvjbv8HHM7WRMvQXfAJKRYsUTycTZT5DPVCU4aDRXrcawzgcwfoEyjau6MA67ZBl

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, which have been in place on National Forest Systems lands in the Cassia Fire Restrictions Zone since July 1, will extend to include all National Forest System, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and State lands, as well as private forest and rangelands, in the South Idaho Interagency Dispatch Area 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 7.

Additional details can be found in the press release posted online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/newsroom/releases

The official orders for Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on National Forest System lands can be found online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/alerts.

08/06/2026

This was a summer of adventure, connection, and fun for Far + Wise middle schoolers.

From exploring the Sawtooth National Forest and building clay creations, to learning new dance moves and spending an overnight on a college campus — our middle school cohort grew stronger together, and we can't wait to welcome them back to the classroom this fall. 🍎

College of Southern Idaho