The Idaho Department of Lands found that Boise-based Idaho Power was responsible for the nearly 10,000-acre Valley Fire after a downed pole sparked a fire in the dry grassland of the Boise Foothills, according to a news release from Idaho Power. The fire threatened homes in Southeast Boise’s Barber Valley, but did not reach them.
The report found that a cross arm — the segment near the top of a power pole that forms the T-shape — broke and allowed an energized wire to touch the ground, sparking the Oct. 4 fire.
“The report found no evidence of rot or bug infestation and no visible alterations to the cross arm other than those necessary to support the line,” according to the release. “Idaho Power inspected this line three times this year, including the cross arm that appears to have broken, and no issues were noted in either ground or helicopter inspections.”
It’s unclear if Idaho Power will face any financial repercussions for causing the fire. Sven Berg, a spokesperson for Idaho Power, said he couldn’t comment on anything outside of the news release.
Fire crews are continuing to work on the fire and had contained about 79% of the blaze as of Monday morning, according to a news release from the Department of Lands. Efforts were suspended Sunday after a private drone was flown in the area.
“Flying drones in the fire area is not allowed,” according to the Monday morning release. “Drones pose a safety risk for firefighting aircraft and medical rescues that require an airlift.”
Crews have made progress in the north and northeast segments of the fire nearest Robie Creek and are monitoring the south and west portions nearest Boise, according to the release. Robie Creek is still in Stage 1 evacuation status, meaning nearby residents should be ready in case the fire grows.
All trails and roads are closed in the Boise Front segment of the Boise River Wildlife Management Area west of Idaho 21 and north of Warm Springs Avenue, in addition to closures in the Boise National Forest.
“Fuels, such as grasses and timber, are back to critically dry conditions in the Great Basin, with record-level dry conditions in many cases,” according to the release. “Dry conditions continue with highs averaging 70 degrees in the Valley Fire area and light winds.”
Robbie Johnson, a public information officer for the Department of Lands, previously told the Idaho Statesman that there are concerns about flooding or erosion potential in the area with much of the vegetation now burned away.
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