TWIN FALLS - Fire crews in southern Idaho have their hands full, battling several large range fires, including one that shut down a highway Tuesday afternoon.
At least eight wildfires were sparked by lightning Sunday and Monday, according to the BLM.
The largest of the fires is the Winter Camp Fire, which merged with another fire and on Wednesday ballooned to about 31 square miles approximately 26 miles southwest of Castleford. The BLM says firefighters working that blaze are battling rough terrain, gusty winds, and high temperatures.
A fire burning about eight miles north of Gooding forced the closure State Highway 46 between Gooding and Fairfield Tuesday afternoon. Officials say The Dog Creek Fire jumped the highway, prompting the closure. The fire is estimated at more than 26 square miles in size.
On Wednesday, fire officials said the fire is threatening structures, but no evacuations have been ordered.
A third fire burning about seven miles southeast of Castleford was contained Wednesday night and was expected to be controlled by around 6 p.m. Thursday. The Berger Butte Fire has so far burned nearly six square miles.
Ranchers with various Rangeland Fire Protection Associations are also taking part in firefighting.
There is no estimated time of containment for the three large fires.
Crews were able to get a handle on several other smaller fires Tuesday.
