Central Idaho residents told to prepare to flee wildfire; containment for Missouri Fire estimated at Oct. 1
Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: CASCADE, Idaho (AP) — Residents in rural north-central Idaho have been told to be ready to evacuate due to a 2-square-mile (5-sq. kilometer) wildfire burning in timber in steep terrain about 40 miles east of McCall. Authorities say the wildfire on Friday is expected to grow due to steep terrain, heavy fuels and danger to firefighters in an area with dead trees that might fall on them. About 300 personnel are assigned to the lightning-caused blaze that started July 15. The eastern edge of the fire is burning in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and officials say the wildfire there will be allowed to play its natural role. Officials say the estimated containment date for the wildfire is Oct. 1.
As of last night, the Missouri Fire was estimated at just under 2,000 acres and was just 5 percent contained. The fire was ignited by lightning on Missouri Ridge in the Krassel Ranger District of the Payette National Forest, and was detected in the morning on July 15.