OWYHEE COUNTY, Idaho — New evacuation orders have been issued across Owyhee County as the Big Grass Fire grew by more than 80,000 acres.
The Owyhee County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 3, "Go Now" evacuation orders for Antelope Ridge Road and south to Big Springs Ranch Road. Go Now orders are also in place for the Owyhee River Canyon, including Dickshooter, and west to the Oregon State line.
A level 2, "GET SET" order has been expanded to include anywhere within 5 miles outside of the level 3 "GO NOW" zones.
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The new evacuation orders are on top of existing orders, a level 3 "Go" order for Pleasant Valley, South Mountain, Jordan Valley, Flint Creek Road, the Triangle area, including Triangle Reservoir, the western portion of Mud Flat, Juniper Mountain and Pleasant Valley. A Level 2 "Set" evacuation remains in effect for Silver City.
On Thursday, fire crews reported the Big Grass Fire had burned 358,959 acres. By Friday morning, that number grew to 442,316, with 39% containment. Firefighters say that on Thursday, the fire made a significant run east towards Deep Creek. Crews managed to construct a containment line along the fire's edge near the Boulder Creek area.
With fire activity expected to increase on Friday, firefighters say they are using an aggressive, full-suppression strategy in an effort to protect communities, structures, critical infrastructure and other valuable resources that are at risk. Crews will focus on completing the containment line from Boulder Creek to Josephine Road, and holding the fire north of Mud Flat Road.
The closure covers all public lands south of Trout Creek Road and Silver City Road to the East Fork and main stem of the Owyhee River. The closed area also extends from the Oregon border east to state highways 78 and 51.
The closure remains in effect until further notice.
BLM Closure:
Residents are encouraged to monitor changing evacuation notices from the Owyhee County Sheriff's Office and avoid closed areas while firefighting operations continue. Any questions about the fire can be directed to Owyhee County Dispatch at 208-495-1205.
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Jordan Valley Mayor Shelia C. Quintero tells Idaho News 6 that leaders are expressing their thanks for the Jordan Valley RFPA (Rangeland Fire Protection Association), the Owyhee County RFPA, local communities, churches, and citizens from the Valley for all their support.
Anyone who can help is asked to donate to the Jordan Valley RFPA GoFundMe.
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This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.
