FORT HALL, ID — July 2, 2025 — Officials report the Garden Creek Fire, also known as the Lincoln Creek Fire, is now 30% contained after scorching more than 1,000 acres and briefly threatening homes near the Wolverine Creek and Blackfoot River areas.
According to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and Fort Hall Fire Department, the wildfire’s spread has slowed thanks to improved wind conditions and coordinated firefighting efforts.
Fire Ignited Rapidly, Fueled by Winds
The blaze started around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, moving quickly due to 35 mph winds. Fire Chief Eric King said it originated in the Garden Creek area and crossed the Blackfoot River, prompting evacuation preparations for residents along Presto Road, Little Indian Canal Road, and Wolverine Creek.
Those evacuation alerts were lifted late Tuesday night as weather conditions improved and fire crews gained the upper hand.
Crews Respond with Ground and Air Support
Emergency responders worked through the night, building fire lines with bulldozers and deploying fire retardant to keep the flames from spreading further east.
Agencies assisting include:
- Fort Hall Fire Department
- North Bannock County Fire District
- Shelley-Firth Fire Department
- Blackfoot Fire Department
- U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Aircraft have played a key role in aerial suppression efforts.
Public Urged to Stay Away; Cause Under Investigation
Officials are asking the public to avoid the area and refrain from flying drones, which can interfere with firefighting operations. While the official cause remains under investigation, early reports suggest it may be human-caused.
Community Resources and Updates
Residents seeking real-time updates are encouraged to follow:
- Fort Hall Fire Department
- Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Office of Emergency Management
- Sho-Ban News
- Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ official Facebook page
Emergency Management Coordinator Feliciana Fullmer emphasized that crews are still actively engaged with both ground and air units to prevent flare-ups.
