"The fire’s rapid growth to 1,691 acres within 24 hours and the deployment of 28–30 personnel highlight a significant wildfire event in a remote area, underscoring the need for rapid response and resource allocation."
The Shale Butte wildfire, located 10 miles northwest of Kimama in Lincoln County, Idaho, was discovered on August 22, 2026, and is caused by natural factors under BLM jurisdiction. The fire rapidly expanded from 200 acres at 01:20 on August 23 to 1,000 acres by 03:20, then to 1,500 acres by 16:20 the same day, and eventually reached 1,691 acres by August 24. Containment remained at 0% until the evening of August 24, when it rose to 40% and stayed at that level through the next day. By August 25 the fire was fully contained at 100%, with minimal creeping behavior reported, and the estimated cost rose to $175,000. The incident remains active in records but is fully contained.
Official source description: 10 Miles NW from Kimama, ID
Minimal; Creeping
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Craters of the Moon National Monument. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is now fully contained and exhibiting minimal behavior; standard wildfire safety precautions remain advised for the surrounding area.
IRWIN ID: {23C288AE-1D26-43EE-B15E-96A0C172CA8D}
Discovered: Aug 22, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: BLM
Est. Cost to Date: $175,000
Coordinates: 42.9616, -113.8483
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in ID.
The Shale Butte Fire has burned 1,691 acres as of September 1, 2026.
Yes, the Shale Butte Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Shale Butte Fire is burning in Lincoln, ID.
No, the Shale Butte Fire is no longer listed as active by NIFC.
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