BOISE COUNTY — A wildfire first reported Saturday afternoon in the Grandjean area west of Stanley has destroyed four cabins and an outbuilding, the Boise County Sheriff's Office says.
What is now called the Wapiti Fire was reported at 2:12 p.m. Saturday, and quickly grew to 1,200 acres. The fire continued to burn actively Sunday, and has grown to an estimated 6,190 acres. There is no estimate regarding an expected containment date.
An area closure is being put in place around the Grandjean area for public and firefighter safety. National Forest System Road 524, which connects Grandjean to Idaho Highway 21, is closed.
The Boise County Sheriff's Office says the following areas have been evacuated: Sawtooth Lodge, Grandjean campground, and summer homes and hiking trails in the area. Cabin owners and people who had to leave campgrounds during the evacuation are asked to call the Lowman Ranger District at (208) 259-3361 for information about when it will be possible to access the area again.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Currently, there are 9 engines, 5 helicopters, 2 air tankers, 5 hand crews and 1 water tender assigned to the fire. There are about 172 people total working the fire.
A Type 2 incident management team has arrived to oversee the Wapiti Fire. Forest Service spokesman Mike Williamson said the team will be briefed on Sunday evening.
The weather forecast over the fire area Monday is calling for a high likelihood of wetting showers and only a slight chance of thunderstorms.
