MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho — Officials provided an update on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 4:20 p.m. regarding the fast-moving Mountain Home fire that injured six law enforcement officers and destroyed multiple homes.
During the briefing, Idaho State Police District 3 Captain Mike Winans said that a female deputy with the Elmore County Sheriff's Department remains hospitalized after she became trapped by the fire during evacuation efforts. Officials say the fire spread rapidly due to strong, shifting winds in the area.
No civilians were killed in the fire. Authorities could not confirm whether or not civilians had sustained injuries in the fire.
Watch the 4:30 p.m. press conference below —
Captain Winans said that first responders were the first to notify many evacuees of the fire. During the press conference, Winans recommended residents immediately sign up for Elmore County emergency alerts via its community notification system.
Sign up here: Elmore County — Community Notification System
Mountain Home Mayor Rich Sykes posted a letter on social media thanking first responders for their courageous efforts battling the fire. "Their professionalism, courage, and commitment protected lives and helped prevent an even greater tragedy," Mayor Sykes stated.
"What I have witnessed over the last several hours has been the very best of Mountain Home— neighbors opening their homes, first responders working through exhaustion, and citizens stepping up to help complete strangers. That spirit of community is stronger than any fire." - Rich Sykes, Mayor of Mountain Home
Idaho State Police and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office previously said the fire started at 6:58 p.m. on Tuesday and prompted a local disaster declaration around 10 p.m. as crews worked to evacuate residents and contain the flames.
The number of structures affected by the fire remains unknown at this time.
Fire crews have since reached 100% containment, and officials say there is no longer a threat to the community.
Crews remain on scene working hot spots and assessing damage.
The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation into the cause of the fire.
Mountain Home News is currently accepting monetary donations for those affected by the fire. Donations can be dropped off at the Mountain Home News front office during regular business hours.
Furthermore, the City of Mountain Home is accepting donations at the Hacker Middle School gymnasium.
Families displaced by the fire can reach out to the Red Cross Duty Agent at 800-733-2767 for assistance.
Watch below to hear the updates from law enforcement after the morning press conference on Wednesday —
