ADA COUNTY, Idaho — Firefighters worked overnight to get the upper hand on a grass fire that scorched 200 acres of land near homes in the Boise Foothills.
The Goose Fire began at about 5 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Idaho Highway 55 and Beacon Light Road, near the Eagle Sports Complex and a number of houses.
According to the Bureau of Land Management, all of the active flames had been knocked down as of 8:35 p.m. Wednesday. Crews remained at the scene overnight, but were aided by late-night rainfall.
One outbuilding burned down, but no homes were lost.
BLM officials said they expect to have the fire contained by 10 a.m. Thursday and dead-out at 7 p.m. Thursday.
West Hill Road is closed between Gary Lane and Idaho Highway 55, according to the Ada County Sheriff's Office. Idaho State Police Troopers are assisting with traffic management. At about 9:15 p.m., the sheriff's said Hill Road will be closed for a while but homeowners will be allowed back soon.
Those who do not live in the area are asked to stay away as firefighters continue to work.
The Boise and Eagle fire departments and the Boise District Bureau of Land Management sent engines to the scene. The BLM also sent a helicopter and a dozer.
Homeowner Erica Tracy, who watched the flames from the deck of her house, says she is grateful for the firefighters' work.
"It was kind of hard to get home, because everybody was trying to see the fire come up our driveway. Once I finally got home, it was crazy how close the fire was by us already," she recounted.
Tracy and her family were poised to leave, she said, but ultimately their home was safe from the fire.
"We were scared for a second that the wind was blowing towards our house so we were kind of like 'oh crap, we might have to evacuate,'" she said. "But luckily firefighters are awesome and took care of it for us."
Slideshow: Goose Fire burns the Boise Foothills
According to the City of Eagle, there was no fire damage inside the Ada/Eagle Bike Park, but some Ridge to Rivers trails - including Shake and Bake and the Flow trail - were damaged and will be closed for the time being.
"Thank you to the first responders from Eagle Fire, Boise Fire, and the Bureau of Land Management for containing the fire and protecting homes and lives," City officials wrote.
About 30 trucks from fire departments from across the Treasure Valley responded to the fire, Ada County Sheriff's Office tweeted.
According to the Ada County Sheriff's Office, about a dozen homes on the north side of West Hill Road have been recommended to voluntarily evacuate.
Officials added that drivers should avoid the area.
Idaho State Police said non-essential and non-residential traffic is impeding access for emergency vehicles near Bogart and Hill Road Parkway and people are advised to avoid the area.
The fire appeared to have started near West Jay Road on Wednesday evening. The sheriff's office said strong winds and dry conditions made fire fighting efforts difficult. The cause of the fire has not been released.
Editor's Note: KTVB is working to gather more information on this breaking news story. Check back for updates.
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