OSBURN, Idaho — More than 240 firefighters are working to contain the Gold Run Fire burning in Shoshone County between Elizabeth Park and Big Creek, just south of Interstate 90, as crews work to protect more than 100 nearby homes.
Firefighters are digging hand lines, cutting trees with chainsaws and deploying large machines called feller bunchers to clear paths for bulldozers to build dirt fire lines. When fire reaches bare mineral soil, it stops burning — making those lines a critical tool in containing the blaze.
Ashley Stoneham, an IC3 trainee working the fire, explained how the feller bunchers work alongside other equipment.
“It grabs onto a tree and cuts it then we can place that tree where we need it. Out of the way. That gave us the opportunity to get dozers in behind and they pushed the line behind them. So it creates that dirt barrier and when fire gets to bare mineral soil, it won’t burn anymore,” Stoneham said.
Despite progress on the fire lines, crews remain concerned about wind. Stoneham said gusts can carry embers across established lines, potentially igniting new fires on the other side.
“Wind is a big key in what causes it for sure. If you get fuels that flare up, if a tree torches out or something, that puts a lot of embers in the air. And if the wind is blowing over our line it puts those embers across. Not all of them will start fires but there’s a potential that some will so we have to monitor that side,” Stoneham said.
The fire has already caused damage at the Shoshone Golf Club, where three outbuildings were burned. Club officials say most of the course remains intact.
James Dunnigan, who lives about a mile from the fire and played the course as recently as Sunday, said the golf club holds deep meaning for the community.
“I have a lot of good memories up there. I know a lot of other people that have had weddings and birthday parties there. I’m just hoping they’re able to survive this,” Dunnigan said.
Firefighters say the size of the response — 240 personnel — gives them confidence they can make progress this week. Evacuation orders for Elizabeth Park and Big Creek have been lifted, but fire crews are still asking residents and the public to avoid the area.
The fire is burning along steep hillsides, complicating efforts to move heavy equipment through the terrain.
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