UPDATE: The fire has burned 29,500 acres. The BLM says the change of size is due to more accurate mapping. Crews continue to mop up hot spots and improve containment lines.
BLM crews near Shoshone are struggling to contain a lightning-caused wildfire burning towards the town of Dietrich due to strong, gusty winds.
The Antelope Fire was reported around 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening about five miles south of Shoshone.
Gusty, erratic winds Monday afternoon spread flames south and east. BLM officials estimate it to be around 10,000 acres in size.
Resources on the fire include eight engines from Twin Falls District BLM and Sawtooth National Forest, one dozer, four overhead and seven aircraft.
7 air tankers are dropping on the #AntelopeFire #BLMTFDFire
— BLM Idaho Fire (@BLMIdahoFire) July 10, 2017
The fire forced the closures of Highway 26 and Highway 93, but both have since reopened. Drivers are told to expect delays.
#AntelopeFire is pushing hwy 93. The Hwy is closed!!! Please avoid the area! #BLMTFDFire
— BLM Idaho Fire (@BLMIdahoFire) July 10, 2017
BLM officials expect at least one or two more days of active fire, with the most active times running through the afternoon until around 6 or 7 o'clock in the evening.
Crews hope the night will bring calmer winds, cooler temperatures and higher humidity.
