Wildfire that grew to nearly 9,000 acres causes driving issues south of Boise
Fire crews extinguished a wildfire south of Boise that grew to nearly 9,000 acres over the weekend, but the blaze’s remnants continued to cause issues for drivers on Monday.
Located 8 miles south of Boise, the Mile Marker 65 Fire began Saturday along Interstate 84 after a car fire at 12:15 p.m. near Blacks Creek Road set the surrounding area ablaze, the Bureau of Land Management said in a social media post.
The fire caused officials to issue evacuation warnings and close traffic lanes.
Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Chad Cline confirmed to the Idaho Statesman on Monday that one outbuilding was destroyed, but crews were able to manage the fire quickly enough that no residents had to leave.
The fire spread to 8,902 acres before crews were able to put it out at noon Sunday, according to the bureau. Crews completed a containment line around the fire’s perimeter by 1 p.m. Saturday, Cline said.
Those driving south of Boise on Monday might have noticed a haze in the area. The BLM warned drivers that wind was picking up ash and dust from the fire and creating low-visibility conditions along that stretch of highway.
The bureau advised drivers to slow down, keep their headlights on and stay alert for changing conditions.
Firefighters used multiple methods to fight the blaze, including aircraft, fire engines and water tenders, bulldozers and other equipment, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.
