HORSESHOE BEND, IDAHO, Idaho — Editor's Note: The above video discusses what people can do to prevent wildfires from starting this summer.
The Idaho Department of Lands is working hard with other agencies to contain the 20-acre Harris Creek wildfire burning in Boise County, between the communities of Horseshoe Bend and Placerville.
Crews responded to the wildfire Monday evening. The fire is located on Hoff Timber lands in the northern Deadman area. Access is only available on foot.
The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Horseshoe Bend Rural Fire Department are assisting in the firefighting efforts.
Two 20-person USFS Type 1 crews, one 20-person initial attack contract crew, and 12 to 15 IDL personnel are on the ground along with two IDL engines and a Horseshoe Bend water tender with crew. During the daylight hours, three helicopters and several air tankers dropped buckets of water or retardant loads on the fire. A bulldozer is assisting on road construction to improve access.
Fire managers are hoping to contain the fire before a cold front brings high winds into the area Wednesday.
No structures are threatened, and no evacuations have been ordered.
The fire is currently burning north, creeping upslope. Isolated torching of trees and some spotting ahead of the fire front is occurring.
The unusually hot and dry conditions this season are causing an increased number of fires and a severe shortage of firefighting resources available. Firefighters ask the public to help prevent wildfires by acting in a safe and responsible manner during all outdoor activities.
The Harris Fire is being fueled by brush, pine trees and Douglas fir. The cause of the fire is undetermined.
Currently, much of the Gem State is experiencing drought conditions. As of May 27, 79.9% of Idaho is in some form of drought, ranging from moderate to exceptional drought.
Officials with the National Interagency Fire Center said the Gem State will be in an increased fire risk through September, with the risk peaking in July and August.
The Forest Service has urged recreationists to be extremely careful this summer when on public lands, due to the hot weather and dry fuel conditions. The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone, which includes parts of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, moved the fire danger to "very high."
Idaho Governor Brad Little previously said he is worried about the lack of resources that the Gem State and other western states have while facing widespread drought.
Watch more on wildfires in the West:
See all of our latest coverage in our YouTube playlist: