New mandatory evacuation north of Ketchum

The Beaver Creek Fire grew by 15 square miles late Friday and early Saturday, to 144 square miles. Overnight, flames moved closer to homes and subdivisions in the mountains west and north of the communities of Hailey and Ketchum and the Sun Valley Resort.

So far, authorities have issued mandatory evacuations for 1,600 residences in the valley, which serves as a vacation getaway for celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Hanks. A new mandatory evacuation has been issued for areas north of Ketchum. Residents of Glassford Heights north to SNRA on both sides of Highway 75 including Fox Creek, Eagle Creek, Chocolate Gulch and North Fork Trailer Park should pack your essential belongings, family, and pets.

The blaze was started by lightning Aug. 7. Efforts Saturday were focused on protecting homes and structures in the gulches and foothills just west of Hailey and Ketchum.

There will be an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Saturday for people who live in Ketchum. It will be held at the Church of the Big Wood at 100 Saddle Rd. in Ketchum.

The latest information on evacuations, road closures and area re-openings can be found at http://www.blainesheriff.com/