Over 70,000 acres burned and our Idaho firefighters are hanging tough.  The hot, dry conditions keep this baby from getting under control.

 

Tough terrain is also making it difficult for our firefighters to put this one to rest.  After weeks of battling the Pioneer Fire is still only 40% contained.  The large amount of smoke being seen yesterday and today are from increased activity in the Hole in the Wall area of the northwest corner of the fire just southwest of Lowman.

 

A Level 1 evacuation of homes east of the Grimes Pass Road by the south shore of the South Fork Payette River has been implemented by the Boise Sheriff Department.  All of Lowman has been under a Level 1 evacuation since August 8.

 

Level 1 evacuation means preparation, precautionary movement of people with special needs, mobile property, pets, and livestock.

 

A Lowman community meeting has been set for 7:00 at the Lowman Fire Station tonight.

 

Banks Lowman Road which is also part of Highway 17 remains closed from Little Gallagher Creek to Lowman.  Estimation of when that road will re-open is unknown.  Idaho Highway 21 is open although heavy traffic is expected.  Incident managers are asking drivers to turn on their headlights, drive defensively, and be patient.

 

1,829 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Resources include:

  • 54 crews
  • 12 helicopters
  • Two scooper planes
  • 55 engines
  • Ten dozers
  • 21 water tenders
  • Eight masticators
  • Two skidders

 

For more information go to KTVB.com.

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