Firefighters protect Howe community
HOWE, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - UPDATE 7:30 p.m. The Howe Peak Fire started July 2, 2020 at approximately 1 p.m., 4 miles southwest of Howe, Idaho.
Firefighters estimate that the fire is 1,500 acres and 20% contained.
Firefighters are expecting full containment July 4 at 6 p.m.
The fire quickly grew, jumping ID-33. The fire ran north alongside ID-33, coming within a mile of Howe. The fire has now shifted directions towards the west and is no longer actively threatening Howe. Howe residents have been notified to be ready for a possible evacuation if fire behavior changes. Contact Rocky Mountain Power for power information. ID-33 has reopened from the US 26 junction to Howe. Butte County Sheriff is handling closures and evacuations.
Firefighters will remain fighting the fire through the night. Multiple retardant drops were made south of Howe to prevent the fire moving towards the town. Firefighters will continue securing the fire perimeter to protect Howe and slow fire spread. Fire behavior is expected to die down with dropping night temperatures, which will give firefighters a tactical advantage. Additional firefighters have been ordered and will arrive tomorrow.
UPDATE 5:15 p.m. The Bureau of Land Management reports Howe is being evacuated, and power has been turned off to Howe.
Highway 33 is closed from Howe to Highway 26 junction.
The Howe Peak Fire is approximately 1,000 acres and growing.
The fir started at about 1 p.m. Thursday four miles southwest of Howe.
Nine engines, three dozers, one handcrew, one water tender, four single engine air tankers, one very large air tankers, two large air tankers, and one helicopter (BLM, USFS, INL and Arco are on scene). An addition handcrew has been ordered.
Containment is estimated for Friday at 6 p.m.
UPDATE 4:30 p.m. The Bureau of Land Management reports the Howe Peak Fire is estimated at 1,000 acres.
ID-33 is currently closed between Butte City and Howe.
The Bureau of Land Management reports the Howe Peak Fire is estimated at 100 acres.
It is four miles southwest of Howe.
BLM has six engines and a hand crew on scene.
#HowePeakFire 4 miles southwest of Howe is estimated at 100 acres. 6 engines and a hand crew on scene. #BLMIFDFire pic.twitter.com/y8tpunzo0l
— Bureau of Land Management Idaho Fire (@BLMIdahoFire) July 2, 2020
