Wildfire expands but key route through central Idaho reopens

LOWMAN, Idaho – A central Idaho wildfire has expanded to 150 square miles but a key route through the area reopened over the weekend.

Residents of about 125 homes in the area on Monday remain under low level evacuation notices but none have been told to flee.

The Banks-Lowman Road opened on Saturday after crews cleared trees and rocks that fell on the pavement after the fire moved through.

Motorists are urged to not stop where helicopters are dipping water because operations must be stopped if vehicles are too close.

The fire burning timber in remote, mountainous backcountry is 50 percent contained but is expected to burn at least until the end of September when cooler weather along with rain or snow arrives.