Central Idaho recreation areas evacuated as wildfire burns

BELLEVUE, Idaho – Authorities have evacuated some recreation areas in central Idaho because of extreme wildfire behavior in the region.

The Twin Falls District of the Bureau of Land Management said in a release that the Sharps fire was reported to dispatchers at about 11 a.m. on Sunday, prompting officials to evacuate homes and campgrounds near the Little Wood River Reservoir and the High Five Creek Recreation Area. Others in the region have been warned to be ready to evacuate if needed.

The fire is estimated to be burning on about 23 square miles of grass and timber, roughly 6 miles east of the central Idaho town of Bellevue. Both structures and sage grouse habitat are threatened by the fire.

Officials say the fire started because of someone shooting an exploding target. The targets are illegal to use on public land during the summer months because of the fire risk.

Local law enforcement officers are working to get sheep and other livestock moved out of the areas threatened by the fire.