Southwest Idaho Wildfire Grows, Drones Interfere Again

IDAHO CITY, Idaho (AP) — A southwest Idaho wildfire burning timber in rugged terrain and pushed by winds expanded to 42 square miles Sunday as firefighters had to abandon fire lines and drones once again interfered with aircraft operations.

About 1,200 firefighters are battling the blaze burning about 8 miles north of Idaho City that's expanding to the east and north with embers igniting new fires up to a third of a mile away. State Highway 21 is closed from 6 miles north of Idaho City to south of Lowman. There's an extensive closure of the Boise National Forest as well.

Fire officials grounded aircraft for 45 minutes Saturday following a drone sighting, the third recorded so far. Officials say firefighters on Sunday will work on putting in new fire lines.