BLISS, Idaho - Crews are getting a handle on a brush fire that forced police to divert traffic off of Interstate 84 Sunday afternoon.
The fire broke out on the north side of I-84, about three miles west of Bliss. Crews from the Bliss Fire District were the first to arrive on scene, and were soon joined by firefighters from Hagerman, Gooding and the BLM.
Bliss Fire Chief Levi Diehl tells KTVB that the wind-driven fire started along the interstate and quickly grew in size, burning on both public and private land. The fire was estimated to be about 150 acres in size. Diehl said no structures were threatened by the blaze.
According to Idaho State Police, smoke from the area caused limited visibility on the westbound lanes, so traffic was diverted at the Bliss/Hagerman exit.
As of 4:15 p.m., ISP said all lanes were open and traffic was no longer being diverted. But officials warned that there was still smoke in the area and that motorists should use caution.
Diehl said crews from the BLM remained on scene, putting out hot spots Sunday evening. The fire is expected to be contained later Sunday evening, and fully controlled by Monday evening.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
