Cut off firefighters in Red Rock Fire are safe

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) - Several firefighters, who were cut off by the Red Rock Fire, are safe Saturday. A contingency plan is set to get them out.

Wind gusts strong than 60 miles per hour caused the Red Rock Fire and Black Eagle Fire to merge. The size is now an estimated 50,000 acres.

The Lemhi County Sheriff's Office issued several evacuation notices and assisted with evacuations for the areas of Panther Creek, Forney, Moyer, Cobalt, Blackbird, and Leesburg. Damage to any structures in these areas is still being assessed.

Areas along the U.S. 93 corridor between Elk Bend and Salmon were also placed in a “ready” status as the eastern edge of the fire made it roughly two-thirds of the way to the highway.

There are multiple roads and bridges that have been destroyed or are impassable. People are advised to stay out of the area.

An updated list of road and area closures will be posted as soon as possible.

The forest closure notice will most likely be expanded and include additional road, trail, and area closures.