The Pioneer Fire burning near Lowman has grown to 80,370 acres and sits at 50 percent contained this morning.
Crews worked throughout the night and successfully completed burn-out operations near Clear Creek Road that protected buildings in the area. More than 1,800 people are on hand fighting the blaze.
Level Two evacuation orders are in place for the following locations: Banks Lowman Road, MP 31 to Lowman, North Shore Drive, Lower Bear Valley Road, Lowman Home Road, Residents on the west side of Highway 21 and Junction Banks on Lowman Road, at MP 73, Hall Drive.
The Grimes Pass area east of Garden Valley remains under Level One evacuation orders.
In the fire area, Highway 17 is closed, but it is still open between Banks and the Danskin boat launch, though fire managers ask drivers to be careful as fire engines and heavy equipment are using the road.
