Wildfire Forces More Evacuations in Northern Idaho
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Evacuations have been ordered in northern Idaho as a group of wildfires that has already destroyed 42 homes threatened more residences Friday despite nearly 800 firefighters trying to beat back flames.
Fire managers told residents near the town of Weippe late Thursday to flee the fires that have scorched 63 square miles of mostly timber and are 30 percent contained. A local high school is being used to shelter evacuees.
In west-central Idaho, fire managers say expected winds on Friday aligning with topography could cause an 11-square-mile wildfire to grow significantly despite fire lines built by some 460 firefighters.
U.S. Highway 95 has remained open but could close depending on fire activity.
Idaho on Friday had 17 large fires burning, the most in the nation.