GENESSE – The Avista planned power outage for Friday, April 24 in Genesee has been cancelled and rescheduled due to weather. Approximately 337 Avista electric customers in Genesee will experience a planned power outage on Tuesday, April 28. The planned outage will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
All affected customers will be notified in advance. Traffic control will be in place from Laurel Street north of Chestnut Street.
During this time, Avista crews will be replacing aging infrastructure, including power poles and equipment, in the area. These updates are part of Avista’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and reliability of its infrastructure.
IDAHO FALLS — A large brush fire prompted the closure of a section of railroad tracks on Wednesday.
According to a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department, firefighters responded to the brush fire around 1:50 p.m. near the tracks off of North Haroldsen Drive. The fire reportedly threatened nearby structures and businesses.
When crews arrived, they encountered “multiple spot fires and burning debris across a dry grass area,” which created quickly changing conditions and challenging access.
Officials believe the fire was caused by metal work in the area, which produced sparks that ignited nearby dry grass.
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The fire burned about 150 yards long and 800 feet wide, extending from a fence line toward the railroad tracks. Due to multiple spot fires, the total affected area has not yet been measured.
A large brush fire North of Idaho Falls prompted the closure of a railroad Wednesday morning. | Idaho Falls Fire Department
Fire crews deployed two Type 3 brush trucks, one Type 6 brush truck, one tactical tender, three Type 1 engines and a ladder truck. Dispatch coordinated with the railroad to halt train traffic in the area during suppression efforts.
Crews quickly contained the fire and stayed on scene to monitor conditions, extinguish hot spots and prevent rekindling due to continued wind. No significant property damage was reported.
“This was a fast-moving fire in a complex area to access, and our crews executed a strong, coordinated response,” said Idaho Falls Fire Chief Johan Olson in the release. “They did an outstanding job stopping the fire before it could impact nearby businesses or cause significant loss. With the unusually dry conditions we’re experiencing, we urge the public to treat current conditions more like mid-summer. Please use extreme caution with anything that could create sparks around dry vegetation.”
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The Idaho Falls Fire Department reminds residents that increased heat, wind and dry conditions significantly elevate fire risk. Avoid activities that may produce sparks near dry grass, and report any signs of fire immediately.
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The following is a news release from Idaho State Police.
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:48 a.m., Idaho State Police investigated a multi-vehicle crash, which occurred on U.S. Highway 26 near North 45th East, just east of Idaho Falls.
A 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by a 32-year-old female from Ririe, was traveling westbound on Highway 26 when the driver failed to yield to a stopped school bus with lights operational for picking up children at a designated school bus pick-up. The Chevrolet Traverse struck the rear of a stopped 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 42-year-old male from Idaho Falls. The Silverado then struck the rear of the 2011 International School Bus, driven by a 43-year-old female from Idaho Falls.
All occupants were wearing a seatbelt. No children on the school bus were injured. The drivers of the Traverse and the Silverado were transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital.
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The roadway was blocked for approximately 2 hours while emergency crews worked to clear the scene.
Idaho State Police was assisted by Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Idaho Falls Fire Department and Idaho Transportation Department.
This crash is under investigation by Idaho State Police.
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