Boise National Forest officials say the Mile Marker 14 Fire burning near Lucky Peak is now 60% contained.
Fire crews were helped out by cooler nighttime temperatures and higher humidity. They say fire activity was minimal throughout the evening and into the early morning hours.
“Smoke may still be visible from Highway 21 during the daylight hours as small areas of grass, sage and timber on the northern portion of the fire continue to be consumed by the slower moving fire,” said Boise National Forest spokesman Brandon Hampton. “Due to more accurate aerial mapping of the fire (Wednesday) night, the acreage has been reduced to an estimated 4, 306 acres and the fire is currently 60% contained."
Hotshot firefighters will continue to work on the northern perimeter of the fire from Lucky Peak Summit, north towards the high bridge at Lucky Peak Reservoir in hopes of keeping the fire from backing into the Deer Creek Drainage, Hampton said. Engines and hand crews will continue to mop up and begin patrolling the dozer line on the eastern and southern perimeters. Fire activity has been minimal in this area, he stated.
Highway 21 continues to be open in both directions.
The public is encouraged to slow down and use caution as they travel through the burned area, as fire crews will be working along the roadway from mile marker 13 north to the high bridge on Highway 21.
