Wildfire burns homes, forces evacuations, sends smoke pouring into Treasure

The fire’s spread shows how dry conditions in Idaho remain, even into mid-October.

Four structures have burned in an estimated 2,500-acre fire near Idaho City, officials said Sunday.

Boise County dispatch says the evacuations are only for residences on Macks Creek Road and campsites along Grimes Creek Road, recommending they standby ready to evacuate.

The Treasure Valley woke up to a thick blanket of smoke Monday, drifting in from the Walker Fire burning near Idaho City. Deputies are prepared to go door-to-door if more evacuations are necessary and the sheriff’s office will use reverse 911.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality says air quality in the Treasure Valley has deteriorated and is ranging from Moderate to Very Unhealthy. The closure area generally encompasses all the areas inside Grimes Creek. KTVB-TV reported that investigators believe the fire was started by someone camping in the area. Despite being located directly next to the fire, Idaho City’s air quality is considered green, or “good”.

Officials said the fire started Saturday afternoon on private land and initial responders thought they had it contained as it was bordered on three sides by roads.

Six engines, two helicopters, two hand crews and a dozer were all working on the fire on Sunday.

But Callihan said strong winds Saturday night caused embers to spot ahead of the fire into the nearby forest and now it’s burning in brush and heavy timber.