HEISE — The Big Rock Fire shows no signs of slowing.

After another night of aggressive and active burning, the flames blew past the fire lines in the Cress Creek area and threatened a new area in Madison County. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office ordered an evacuation for residents along South Snake River Road from Heise to 10000 South.

While the largest growth occurred on the western edge of the fire, there is also new growth on the northeast flank and the Kelly Canyon Resort is currently threatened, according to Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire spokeswoman Juley Smith.

“Things were pretty busy last night, and (firefighters) struggled to hold the line,” Smith said.

Advancement of the fire occurred because crews were diverted to protect homes on Saturday. More than 30 homes are currently threatened by the Big Rock Fire. Thus far, two buildings have been lost — a shed and an electrical outbuilding attached to a communications tower.

Sunday is expected to be another very active fire day. The National Weather Service has issued another Red Flag Warning due to high temperatures, low humidity and an increase in gusting winds.

Thus far, the fire is zero percent contained and there is no estimate on when authorities will get a handle on this fire.

“Right now, they are busting their butts trying to catch up,” Smith said.

Authorities also stressed that people need to STAY AWAY from the fire, and DO NOT FLY DRONES.

EVACUATIONS:

GO – Level 3 – Evacuation Order:

• All homes and campgrounds north of Heise, extending north to Lyons Creek Road/10000 South and east to 7000 East, just west of Luthy Meadows.
• The Level 3 (GO) evacuation order for the Heise area north of the Snake River remains in effect, including residences that are North of the Snake River from Heise Hot Springs and East to the Y at Kelly Canyon and Forest Service Road 218, extending North up to East 12000.
• Residents along South Snake River Road, north of the Snake River and up to 10000 South.

SET – Level 2 – Evacuation Warning:

• Table Rock and Wolf Flats Campground areas.

An evacuation shelter is open at South Fork Elementary School, 7163 South 2000 West in Rexburg, where those impacted can access a safe place to stay, receive meals and water, and get information and recovery support. All services are free.

Camping and recreation closures have also been issued for BLM-managed lands in the South Fork Canyon corridor and Idaho Endowment Lands south of Moody Creek.