Lytle Denny, Deputy Executive Director for the natural Resources Division talks to Tribal Departments and the BAER team who met at the TOEM office on July 16. (Roselynn Yazzie photos)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16, 2025

Dusty conditions follow Garden Creek Fire; Emergency response & monitoring efforts continue

By ROSELYNN YAZZIE

Office of Public Affairs

FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes want to notify the community that fine dust is visible in the Garden Creek Fire area in Lincoln Creek and may appear similar to smoke. Please be advised this is not active fire. The Garden Creek Fire has been fully contained and the dust is a result of exposed soil and ash being stirred up by wind or movement across the burned landscape.

It’s understandable that the appearance of smoke may still cause concern, and the Fort Hall Fire Department will continue to respond to calls to ensure the safety of the community.

In response to the fire, a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team has been deployed to assess post-fire damage and begin stabilization and rehabilitation planning. The team is working closely with Tribal departments and will be in the area over the next week to evaluate conditions and identify areas in need of emergency intervention.

Lytle Denny, Deputy Executive Director of the Natural Resources Division said, “Community safety remains a top priority as the Tribes continue to support recovery efforts alongside federal and local partners. Updates will be shared as work progresses.”

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