CAMBRIDGE, Idaho — A wildfire burning east of Brownlee Summit in Washington County has grown exponentially in size, prompting evacuations.
By Tuesday night, the Woodhead Fire near Cambridge was estimated at about 15,000 acres and was "actively growing with extreme fire behavior and growth primarily to the southeast towards Cambridge," according to fire officials.
As of Thursday morning, the fire remained at 27,000 acres with zero percent containment. Firefighters are currently focused on stopping the fire's southward movement off Horse Flat Road.
Crews conducted a burnout off Rush Creek Road Wednesday night as well in an attempt to stop the flames from creeping any closer to Cambridge. A total of 15 personnel are currently assigned to the Woodhead Fire along with dozers, engines and air resources.
A strike team of municipal firefighters has assembled on the northern edge of Cambridge to protect homes and other structures. The fire has burned through power lines in the area, causing outages.
Woodhead Fire burning near Cambridge
The following communities are now under evacuation orders:
- Seid Creek
- Pine Creek Estates
- Advent Gulch
- Rush Creek
- West Pine Road
- Mill Creek Road
- Cemetery Road
- Cow Creek
- Goodrich
All evacuations ordered by the Washington County Sheriff's Office will remain in effect until it is determined the area is safe for people to return.
Fire managers say they are concerned about a cold front moving through the area that will bring "extremely volatile and erratic winds" that could push the flames in unexpected directions.
Highway 71 is currently closed from 4th Street in Cambridge to the Oregon border, a 27-mile stretch.
"The fire is moving in all directions and the public is reminded to remain clear of the area," officials wrote.
Resources are on scene and evacuations are in progress as crews work to get residents out of the path of the flames.
The Cambridge School District announced late Tuesday that it was canceling school for all students on Wednesday. Anyone who has been displaced by the fire can stay at the Cambridge High School gym.
"Our hearts are with our families and community tonight," the district said in a Facebook post. "Stay safe everyone."
Anyone who is not involved in fighting the fire is asked to stay out of the area.
The fire had moved into the Advent Gulch area by Tuesday, but it is unclear whether any homes or other buildings have burned down.
According to a Facebook post by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the fire started near the back side of Brownlee Summit and was "actively" burning east late Monday night.
"Please leave this area as soon as possible," the sheriff's office said in the Monday post. "Emergency services are working hard to get this under control."
Fire managers said erratic weather, including strong wind gusts and low humidity, have made containment of the fire difficult. Adding to the challenge, there is a shortage of firefighting resources both locally and nationally.
Here are some phone numbers for residents who might need assistance:
Fire location, direction and growth -- Payette National Forest (208) 634-0820.
Road closures, evacuations and re-entry info. Residents needing into the area to feed and water animals ONLY. Residents checking on property condition, call Washington County Dispatch at 208-414-2121.
You can also contact the Red Cross for assistance at 1-800-853-2570.
The cause of the fire is unknown. Check back for updates.