Fire crews made what they’re calling “good progress and increased containment” on the Mile Marker 14 Fire, burning north of Boise. They say the fire is now 50 percent contained.
“Fire activity was minimal Wednesday afternoon, but still continued to burn in small pockets of grass, sage and timber on the northern portion of the fire near Aldape Summit and north towards the high bridge on Highway 21,” said Bureau of Land Management spokesman Brandon Hampton.
As of Wednesday evening, the fire had consumed an estimated 4,446 acres, he said.
Firefighters will take advantage of the lower nighttime temperatures and higher humidity to construct and improve the fireline on the northern perimeter near Aldape Summit while working north towards Lucky Peak Reservoir, Hampton explained. “Engines and hand crews will continue to reinforce and begin patrolling the dozer line on the eastern and southern perimeters. Three additional hotshot crews arrived earlier today and the fourth is expected to arrive late this evening,” Hampton said Wednesday.
Rocky Canyon Road, Highland Valley Road and all trails east to Highway 21 from Rocky Canyon are currently closed except for fire traffic.
The public is encouraged to use caution as they travel the Highway 21 corridor near the fire -- as fire crews will be working in the area throughout Wednesday night.
