UPDATE: The Mile Marker 73 and Highway 55 fire has grown to 4,480 acres and is now 60 percent contained.
#MM73HWY55Fire Update for July 28th - https://t.co/fSidZ18ux4 @IdahoLands pic.twitter.com/qrRSIZQAHv
— Bureau of Land Management Idaho Fire (@BLMIdahoFire) July 28, 2018
Original Story: The Mile Marker 73 and Highway 55 Fire near Gardena is now estimated to be 3,500 acres (5.5 sq. mi)-- and growing, according to Idaho Department of Lands spokesman Randall Phelps.
The Idaho Department of Lands, together with the U.S. Forest Service, and the Garden Valley and Horseshoe Bend Fire Departments, continue to jointly battle the fire that continues to burn uphill and to the east.
For those who must take Highway 55, it is fully reopened, but keep in mind that fire work will continue on the corridor, so use caution.
“There is the possibility of falling rock, so drivers need to be aware of the possible hazard and drive with caution,” Phelps said.
Boise County Emergency Manager Robert Showalter said, “I would like the public to know that, if they plan on camping in Boise County, to take a close look at the area of the fire and the direction it’s moving. Wind conditions could put a damper on their weekend with the smoke so that’s also something to consider. Also, a reminder to have a shovel, fire extinguisher and a bucket should be on hand when camping in the event a campfire gets out of hand.”
The fire was reported Wednesday, July 25th, at around 4 p.m.
The official cause is under investigation.
