Central Idaho wildfire enters Sawtooth National Forest
UPDATE 7/31/18 1:44 p.m. More firefighters are being called in to fight a fast-growing central Idaho wildfire that has been classified as one of the top priorities in the region.
The Sharps fire about 6 miles east of Bellevue on Tuesday nearly doubled in size to 54 square miles and started burning into the Sawtooth National Forest.
Fire spokeswoman Kim Osborn says about 150 firefighters are at the blaze with more arriving. She says they face tough conditions Tuesday with temperatures in the 90s, low humidity, gusty winds and steep terrain.
Some residents on the Little Wood Reservoir have been told to evacuate, and area closures are in place.
Authorities say somebody shooting an exploding target on Sunday started the fire that’s burning in grass and timber.
UPDATE 7/31/18 11:20 a.m. More firefighters are being called in to fight a fast-growing central Idaho wildfire that has been classified as one of the top priorities in the region.
The Sharps fire about 6 miles east of Bellevue on Tuesday nearly doubled in size to 54 square miles (140 square kilometers) and started burning into the Sawtooth National Forest.
Fire spokeswoman Kim Osborn says about 150 firefighters are at the blaze with more arriving. She says they face tough conditions Tuesday with temperatures in the 90s, low humidity, gusty winds and steep terrain.
Some residents on the Little Wood Reservoir have been told to evacuate, and area closures are in place.
Authorities say somebody shooting an exploding target on Sunday started the fire that’s burning in grass and timber.
UPDATE: 2:10 PM 7-30
The Sharps Fire is now estimated at 20,000 acres and very active.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is reporting that air quality in the Blaine County area is unhealthy for sensitive individuals. People, especially in those risk areas, should be careful to limit exposure and time outside.
Air quality is moderate to good and in the Snake River Valley.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office has ordered the immediate, mandatory evacuation of the Little Wood Recreation Area campground and all residences on Little Wood Reservoir Road and Flat Top Road north of the reservoir. A pre-evacuation notice is posted for several residences on Fish Creek Road.
People were advised to take children, pets, medications, and valuable documents, but to leave immediately. The order came at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
High Five Creek had already been evacuated after the fire began burning towards farms in the Carey area.
The action was taken due to activity of the Sharps Fire, which had crossed Muldoon Summit and Little Wood Reservoir Road and was burning into Cold Creek.
The Sharps Fire was reported at 11:15 a.m. Sunday about 6 miles east of Bellevue. The cause of the fire is under investigation. It was estimated at over 2,000 acres Sunday night.
