BOISE COUNTY, Idaho — State Highway 55 north of Banks has fully reopened to traffic following fire response activities in the area.
Crews have cleared traffic control from the highway.
Travelers should continue to use caution and watch for emergency personnel and equipment that may still be operating in the area.
The Idaho Department of Lands said Wednesday evening that the fire remained on the ridge between Highway 55 and the Banks-Lowman Road to Garden Valley.
Officials said they had received numerous reports that the fire had jumped the ridge, but those reports were false.
“Firefighting operations are working to keep that from happening,” IDL said, urging people to rely on official sources for information.
Due to the complexity of the fire, a Type 3 Incident Commander took command Wednesday, and an additional crew was ordered to support firefighting efforts.
Two helicopters were also expected to use the Payette River to fill water buckets. IDL asked river users to stay clear of the area while the helicopters were operating.
Travelers can check Idaho 511 for the latest road and traffic conditions.
This is a developing situation; we’ll update this story as we learn more.
