SAM Magazine—McCall, Idaho, Sept. 8, 2022—Forest Service firefighters are working to suppress a fire burning near the top of Brundage Mountain, with multiple crews attacking from the ground and the air. The fire is burning inside the area's permit area, in the Hidden Valley area and the Hidden Valley cliffs, to the north and just outside of Brundage Mountain’s main front side runs. No structures are currently in danger. 

Termed the Rainbow Fire, it was sparked by lightning during a thunderstorm Wednesday evening. The fire was estimated at 5 acres in late morning today. 

The fire "is in a powder skiing zone, which fortunately has no lifts or structures," communications director April Whitney told SAM. "It also has some rocky cliff bands that have been acting as firebreaks."

Firefighters "threw a ton of resources at the fire today," she said. Multiple crews attacked the fire from the ground and air. Four engines are on the scene, along with Smokejumpers and Hotshot crews. Two helicopters are currently attacking the fire from the air, with additional aerial resources (scoop tankers) on request. A fire camp is being set up in the lower parking lot.

"We are optimistic that they can get it contained in spite of the gnarly terrain. We also saw temps drop by about 15 degrees today, which helps," she said.

On Wednesday, the Forest Service was able to drop smokejumpers on the fire before dark to begin an initial attack, alongside several engine crews. The fire burned actively until 2 a.m. Thursday morning. Firefighters from the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association and Bureau of Land Management also aided in the initial attack efforts.

“We are sincerely grateful for the quick response of the Forest Service and other agencies last night and we are hopeful that this fire can be brought under control quickly and safely,” said Brundage Mountain GM Ken Rider. “We’re asking the public to help out by staying clear of the resort area so the fire crews can access the area safely and without delay.” 

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