The huge Pioneer Fire, burning in rugged wilderness between Idaho City and Lowman, has now grown to 73,358, according to the latest information from Boise National Forest officials.
The fire is about 40 percent contained, with almost 1,800 personnel on the scene.
A community meeting will be held tonight at the Idaho City Senior Center at 7 p.m. to bring residents up to date of the status of the fire.
“North of Highway 17, there was minimal fire spread to the north in the Deadwood River drainage (Sunday),” said Boise National Forest spokesperson Kristy Bryner. “Crews continue to create a fuel break by thinning and chipping on the Clear Creek Road and immediate vicinity. On Deadwood Ridge above Clear Creek, crews will begin direct suppression efforts today at the northeastern tip of the fire. Dozer line has been completed on the west ridge above Deadwood River and construction of that dozer line continues northward.”
The western flank saw increased fire activity, south of Highway 17, Bryner added. The fire spread two miles to the west in the last 24 hours, and included the Little Hole in the Wall and Little Fall Creek drainages. Firefighters continue to secure the containment line west of Grayback Creek.
Temperatures remain unseasonably warm and dry. Area winds will be out of the north/northwest, with gusts of up to 15 to 20 mph in some areas. The weather will contribute to smoke in the valleys and increased fire activity is possible.
Level 1 evacuation orders are still in place for the Grimes Pass area east of Garden Valley. Lowman continues to remain at Level 1 evacuation status.
Highway 17 remains closed from Danskin to the Lowman intersection. The closure is regularly evaluated by fire managers and county public safety personnel.
Smoke information can be found at https://idsmoke.blogspot.com
Those interested in finding out more about the fire structioins can go to: http://www.idahofireinfo.com/
