The Mile Marker 73
Highway 55 Fire near Gardena showed little movement to the east overnight due
to cooler overnight temperatures and higher humidities found along the Payette
River Corridor. Crews continued to work through the night constructing fire
line along the eastern perimeter while mopping up the southern area along
Highway 55. Today, crews will continue to construct fire line to the east
with support from water dropping helicopters which will continue to take
advantage of the main Payette River and its close proximity to the fire area.
At 6:00 am this morning,
Great Basin Incident Management Team #2 (DeMasters) will assume command of the
Mile Marker 73 Highway 55. The addition of the incident management team to the
fire will secure additional personnel and equipment which will allow local
resources to be released for other initial attack activity in their local
response area.
Highway 55 is reopened
with a pilot car leading traffic, alternating directions using one lane. With
weekend traffic, long delays of over 60 minutes are expected throughout the
weekend. The public is also reminded that numerous hazards exist along Highway
55 including fire personnel, helicopters dipping water from the river and the
possibility of falling rock and debris loosened by the fire. Drivers need to be
aware of the possible hazards and drive with caution.
The fire was reported
Wednesday, July 25th, at approximately 4 P.M. The cause is under
investigation.
