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Active WildfireID

Grotto Fire

"The fire’s rapid growth to nearly 4,000 acres in just over a month, combined with the deployment of a single personnel unit and a rising containment percentage, highlights the challenges of managing large, wind‑driven wildfires in remote areas."

3,856
Acres
50%
Contained
1
Personnel

Situation Summary

The Grotto wildfire, located 20 miles east of Lowell, Idaho, was first reported on August 10, 2026, covering 443 acres with no containment. Over the following weeks the fire expanded rapidly, reaching 3,849 acres by August 31 and remaining at that size through September 22. The United States Forest Service (USFS) is the jurisdictional agency, and the cause remains undetermined. Fire behavior shifted from moderate backing to active flanking and wind‑driven runs, with occasional isolated torching. Containment began at 20% on September 15 and increased to 50% by September 22, while personnel remained at one throughout the timeline.

Official source description: 20 Miles E from Lowell, ID

Current Fire Behavior

Minimal; Smoldering; Wind Driven Runs

Intelligence Timeline

Tue, Sep 22 - 2:40 PM Source: NIFC
3,856 acres
50% cont.
Tue, Sep 15 - 2:40 PM Source: NIFC
3,856 acres
20% cont.
Tue, Sep 8 - 4:40 PM Source: NIFC
3,856 acres
0% cont.
Mon, Aug 31 - 9:00 PM Source: NIFC
3,849 acres
0% cont.
Fri, Aug 28 - 12:20 AM Source: NIFC
3,171 acres
0% cont.

Location

Regional Air Quality

3
Good
AQI · PM2.5

Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.

Nearest reporting station: Hamilton. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).

Public Safety & Travel

Preparedness Advice

With the fire currently minimal, smoldering, and 50% contained, general wildfire safety precautions apply. Residents should remain vigilant for potential flare‑ups and follow any local advisories.

IRWIN ID: {687D3124-6031-4C95-B574-6AFB110FD389}

Discovered: Jul 29, 2026

Cause: Undetermined

Managing Agency: USFS

Est. Cost to Date: $6,000

Coordinates: 46.2559, -115.0937

Recently Contained Fires in ID

Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many acres has the Grotto Fire burned?

The Grotto Fire has burned 3,856 acres as of September 22, 2026.

Is the Grotto Fire contained?

As of the latest update, the Grotto Fire is 50% contained.

What caused the Grotto Fire?

The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.

Where is the Grotto Fire located?

The Grotto Fire is burning in Idaho, ID.

Is the Grotto Fire still active?

Yes, as of the latest official update, the Grotto Fire remains active.

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