A wildfire raged north of Lucky Peak Dam on Tuesday spreading quickly and fire officials confirm the blaze was human caused. Crews have been on scene overnight fighting the flames.
As of 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, Bureau of Land Management firefighters say the Mile Marker 14 fire has burned 4,000 acres and is 0% contained.
Crews asked Boise County residents to stay off Rocky Canyon Road because the fire may move that direction.
At one point the fire prompted the closure of Highway 21 in both directions just north of Lucky Peak Dam for hours. Though traffic is back open at this time.
Officials confirm three structures have been destroyed: a chicken coop, a tack room and a barn.
Smoke from the fire can be seen from as far away as Gooding in the Magic Valley.
On Tuesday air tankers and helicopters dropped retardant on the fire. Roughly 175 firefighters are currently on the scene.
Resources on the fire include 5 BLM engines,4 dozers, 2 water tenders, 3 Boise City Fire Engines, 1 Forest Service Engine, 4 overhead, 4 helicopters, 8 smoke jumpers, 2 single engine air tankers, 2 heavy air tankers, 2 very heavy air tankers, an air attack, a lead plane, and 4 hand crews.
The fire is burning in grass and sage with adjacent timber located in higher elevations. With increased winds, steep terrain, and heavy fuel loading there is no estimate on containment at this time.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible. Anyone traveling toward Boise County is asked to avoid Rocky Canyon Road. Officials say the fire could have the potential to burn in that direction.
"The biggest thing the public can do on this fire is stay away," Boise BLM Public Information Officer Brandon Hampton said. "We need all of our resources up here and when you start to come up to see what's going on, you slow that traffic down and that slows our firefighter resources also."
The specific cause of the fire is still under investigation.
We have crews on the scene and will bring you the latest details as they develop.
