Wind-driven wildfire closes Highway 46 near Wendell

WENDELL, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews are battling a fast-moving wildfire burning northwest of Wendell that has grown to more than 8,600 acres Wednesday afternoon.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Median Fire was estimated at 8,624 acres as of 3:05 p.m. The fire was reported around 11:55 a.m. approximately four miles northwest of Wendell and quickly spread through grass and brush fueled by strong winds.

The Bureau of Land Management Twin Falls District and U.S. Wildland Fire Service Great Basin Unit 2-Twin Falls responded to the fire.

Officials reported the fire had reached approximately 1,000 acres shortly before 2 p.m. before rapidly expanding throughout the afternoon.

Fire officials describe the blaze as wind-driven and say it has crossed State Highway 46 and is moving east.

As of 2 p.m., all lanes of State Highway 46 were closed between East 2800 South and mile marker 105, according to Idaho 511.

Resources assigned to the fire include eight engines, two dozers, six fixed-wing aircraft, overhead personnel and cooperating agencies.

Officials are urging the public to avoid the area and give firefighters room to work.

Smoke from the fire is expected to be visible throughout the region and could impact travel.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.