Evacuations Lifted Around Northern Idaho Wildfires

WEIPPE, Idaho (AP) — Officials in northern Idaho have lifted the mandatory evacuation notices for people living near a group of wildfires that has destroyed 42 homes.

All residents in the area are being told to stay aware of fire activity and some are still being told they could be evacuated again at any time. As of Sunday morning, the group of lightning-caused fires near the town of Weippe had burned more than 70 square miles in timber, brush and grass.

Officials say the fires that started with more than 25 lightning strikes on Aug. 10 are now about 40 percent contained. Light winds and cooler temperatures have helped their containment efforts over the weekend. About 17 large fires are burning in Idaho, the most in the nation.