BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Firefighters continued to gain ground Saturday, July 18, on the Claremont Fire, which has burned 6,817 acres and is 82% contained.
Crews made “excellent progress” engaging the fire Friday and planned to continue similar work Saturday as containment lines strengthen. As containment improves, some crews are expected to be released, allowing them to respond to other fires or rest ahead of future wildfire assignments.
More unmanned aircraft system flights using infrared heat detection confirmed strong containment along the eastern portion of the fire in the high country. Ridgeline routes that hand crews opened with hand tools several days ago have been widened with dozers and were expected to be connected Saturday, though additional work may be needed to widen and strengthen the lines before they are considered complete. Once the area on and near Boise Ridge Road is connected, firefighters expect remaining interior hot spots to be the final challenge…