CANYON COUNTY, Idaho — A fire believed to have been started by lightning early Monday morning has burned an estimated 40 to 50 acres north of Middleton and Star.
The fire, reported near Blessinger Road and Edna Lane north of Purple Sage Road, started before 6 a.m. A total of about 30 firefighters from Middleton, Star, Meridian, Eagle, Boise and the Bureau of Land Management were called to help fight it.
David Sparks, deputy chief for the Star and Middleton fire districts, said the fire started with a lightning strike in grass and brush. The fire threatened one home, he said, but the home was not damaged.
The fire is now contained — firefighters used a dozer to build a line around the fire. Sparks said some firefighters will remain in the area through most of the day to take care of any hot spots.
"With the hot weather that's coming, we want to make sure this thing's completely out," Sparks said.
No one was injured in the fire.
Storms moving through the area produced lightning and started at least two other fires early Monday morning.
The Bureau of Land Management, Mountain Home Fire Department and a nearby rangeland protection association responded to a fire in the area of South Orchard Access Road and East Double Tapp Lane, which is southeast of Boise near Interstate 84. The fire, estimated anywhere from 10 to 33 acres in size, took about 45 minutes to put out, according to a BLM dispatcher.
The BLM also reported a wildfire west of Marsing, dubbed the Johnstone Fire, and said fire crews were making "good progress." Its size was estimated at 20 acres, but as is the case with the other fires reported Monday morning, the reported size may change dramatically after more accurate mapping.
This story will be updated as new information is confirmed.
Fire north of Middleton, Star
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