BY KAREN BOSSICK

Crews have contained a wildfire near Bellevue.

Firefighters from various fire stations in the Wood River Valley jumped on a fire in Muldoon Canyon east of Bellevue early Saturday morning. The fire, seven miles east of Bellevue, according to the BLM—was reported shortly after midnight.

It broke out following several strong wind gusts through the valley Friday evening.

A dozer was able to cut a line on the hillside to keep the fire from advancing towards Bellevue. COURTESY: Blaine County Sheriff

The Martin Fire is currently being managed by the BLM.

The fire, which reported hours after strong winds blew through the area, lit up the night. By morning smoke could be seen rising from blackened slopes.

It was estimated to have burned 1,100 acres by Sunday afternoon, according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Due to high winds, the fire was very active at first. As winds died down, the fire backed into areas difficult to reach due to terrain. No structures were threatened.

The BLM staged firefighting personnel at O’Donnell Park, asking citizens of Bellevue to stay clear of Muldoon and Martin Canyons. Bellevue residents were also asked to keep water use to domestic needs and turn off irrigation usage to ensure the water system could meet demands caused by the fire.

A dozer constructed a line for structure protection to the west. A BLM engine, local rural fire engines, helicopter and air support also joined in the fight.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Another fire in the Martin Canyon area of Muldoon Canyon in 2017 was determined to have been caused by target practice. It burned 4,000 acres, including a large swath of pine trees.