Murphy Complex wildfires contained

BOISE – Fire officials say crews have finally contained the giant Murphy Complex of wildfires, a series of blazes responsible for charring more than 1,000 square miles of rangeland in Southern Idaho and northern Nevada.

Fire spokesman Brock Astle said firefighters contained the lightning-ignited fires late Thursday, enabling crews and equipment to start leaving the scene Friday.

Across Idaho, fire crews were battling at least 13 other large fires across more than 600 square miles of forest and rangeland, according to the Boise-based National Interagency Fire Center.

While some pose a threat to communities, homes and historic sites, no evacuation orders have been issued, according to the agency.

Still, wildfires did prompt cancellation of the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival.

The Murphy Complex has burned since July 16, fueled by the hottest and driest July in more than a century. At times, more than 1,400 firefighters and managers were assigned to the blazes and at least two small communities – Murphy Hot Springs, Idaho, and Jarbridge, Nev. – were under evacuation orders.

Altogether, the fires destroyed just three outbuildings, Astle said Friday. But he said firefighting costs were estimated at $9.5 million.

Another day of hot, dry conditions complicated firefighting efforts in other parts of Idaho on Friday and thwarted recreational and weekend activities.

In northcentral Idaho, Valley County and U.S. Forest Service officials have closed roads leading to the forest community of Yellow Pine because of wildfires in the Payette and Boise national forests, forcing cancellation of the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival this weekend for the first time in the event’s 18-year history.

Dozens of fires were burning nearby, including the 66-square-mile, four-fire Cascade Complex, located in the Boise National Forest 16 miles northeast of Cascade.

Valley County Commission members feared a rapidly moving fire pushed by high winds could jump the fire line, threatening the Warm Lake Road, which starts near Cascade, and adjacent power lines.

Forest Service officials said it would be irresponsible to expose visitors to unnecessary risks should the fires expand. Roads to Yellow Pine will likely remain closed today and Sunday, said Denise Cobb, a Forest Service spokeswoman.

“We’re very cognizant this is the economic base for Yellow Pine. But with health and safety, we felt we didn’t have a choice,” said Valley County Commissioner Frank Eld.