Update on Mustang, Halstead fires

Mustang Complex Fire

The Mustang Complex Fire is still growing as flames creep closer to Highway 93.

Fire activity has been reported near the road — just a little more than a mile north of incident command in North Fork.

Firefighters working through the night to control that corner of the almost 324,0000-acre wildfire, while doing their best to protect homes in that area.

The Lemhi County sheriff announced a change in evacuation orders for residents there.

The level was officially reduced from Level 3 to Level 2 Monday morning.

Residents returning to their homes are warned that hazards may exist such as weakened trees, rolling and burning

debris, and thick smoke along roadways, according to a news release. Residents should be fully prepared to leave at a moment’s notice if there is a change in fire conditions.

A community meeting on the fire will be at the North Fork Community Church at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The blaze was ignited July 30 by lightning. It is 18 percent contained.

Halstead Fire

Strong winds in Custer County are making the battle even tougher on firefighters working to control the Halstead Fire.

It is burning more than 168,000 acres and was 50 percent contained Monday morning.

The fire burned through the Rapid River Campground, destroying all four campsites and a toilet facility.

Firefighters are conducting burnouts to protect structures around the Lola Campground and Seafoam Guard Station as flames were getting closer to the Marsh Creek area.

Crews are working to prevent the blaze from crossing Highway 75, protect power lines, infrastructure and the community of Sunbeam.

A public meeting on the fire will be held at the Stanley community building Tuesday at 7 p.m.

The fire was ignited July 27 by lightning.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality says the air quality of Lemhi and Custer counties is at unhealthy levels.