STANLEY, Idaho (CBS2) — The National Weather Service in Pocatello, Idaho, issued a Red Flag Warning for the Stanley Basin and Bench Lake Fire area. A recent news release says crews are preparing for scattered thunderstorms expected in the afternoon and evening.
Incident meteorologists anticipate lightning and sustained winds of around 20 mph, with 45 to 55 mph gusts near thunderstorms, which could challenge the fireline.
Isolated smoke columns and tree torching are expected in the coming weeks. Crews will continue camping near the fire's west side to secure the fireline, remove hazardous trees and use natural barriers to improve containment around the Bench Lakes.
Progress is being made with heavy equipment on Decker Flats Road to clear dense vegetation. Fuel reduction around the Sawtooth National Forest Stanley Ranger Station is nearly complete.
Aviation assets remain a vital support to on-the-ground resources. From July 12 to 21, aircraft have transported 213 passengers, hauled nearly 167,000 pounds of cargo, dropped 1.5 million gallons of water and flown 255 hours.
The Bench Lake Fire is 2,595 acres and 34 percent contained. A total of 48 personnel are assigned to the fire.
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