Brush fire burns homes, injured 6 officers

MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho (KIFI) - Six law enforcement officers were injured when a wildfire spread quickly and burned several homes on Tuesday night. One officer is still in the hospital. The extent of their injuries is unknown.

Local authorities said the fire started at 6:58 p.m. in the area of Airbase Road and SW Fly By Avenue in Mountain Home. Due to windy condition, the fire spread rapidly engulfing the homes. By 10 p.m., Elmore County issued a local disaster declaration, evacuating several homes.

Officials say no civilian casualties have been confirmed.

The fire burned an estimated 300 acres before it was contained Tuesday night. Authorities are still counting the number of homes and structures that were burned. Residents are being allowed back to their homes as of Wednesday afternoon. Those displaced by fire has asked to go to the Mountain Home Elks Lodge.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated with the help of the Idaho State Fire Marshall.

Officials will be holding a press conference at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday to provide updates.