NEW VIDEO: High winds fueled Mammoth Fire overnight
SHOSHONE, Idaho (KBOI) — The Mammoth Fire burned aggressively throughout the night and is now at an estimated 40,000 acres.
BLM says that the fire has burned to the northern flank of Picabo Desert Road. It is holding there and crews are working on putting up containment lines.
They say better weather and wind conditions in the area could help them fight the flames. Thunderstorms are pushing in from Nevada, which could cause wind shifts.
Crews worked all night to protect endangered transmission lines that could have knocked out power to the Wood River Valley.
Idaho Power reports that they were able to protect the line of concern, but other transmission lines are in bad shape. Early Sunday, a backup feed was set up for Blaine County .
The Blaine County Sheriff posted a video Saturday night showing the rapidly growing flames.
High winds caused the fire to jump containment lines and race north east. At this point, no additional structures have burned.
Saturday the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office put evacuations orders in place for some nearby residents. Those have since been lifted.
Fire managers do not have a date or time when the fire is expected to be contained or controlled.
The DEQ is reporting that the air quality in Blaine County is unhealthy. Residents should try to limit their time outdoors.
