CAMBRIDGE, Idaho — People near Cambridge are keeping a close eye on the Woodhead Fire.
As of Sunday morning, the fire is burning around 41,850 acres and is 22% contained.
Officials are now warning people they could face a heavy fine for going into any prohibited area. These areas include roads and trails that are closed because of the fire.
You could be hit with a $5,000 fine for violating the order signed Thursday by Payette National Forest supervisor Linda Jackson. The order is expected to remain in effect until October 15.
Exceptions to the order include those with special authorization and any federal, state or local officer, rescue crew or firefighter.
The fire started on Monday and was aided by high winds, fueling its growth.
Low visibility, high winds and powerlines have hindered aerial firefighting efforts and precluded the use of airtankers. Calmer winds lately have aided fire suppression activities.
Evacuations are at Level Two, which means people should be ready to go at a moment's notice.
Communities near West Pine Road, Mill Creek Road, Cemetery Road, Rush Creek, Goodrich, Pine Creek, Seid Creek and Advent Gulch are under an evacuation order managed by Washington County Sheriff's Office.
State Highway 71 is closed by the Idaho Transportation Department from the Oregon border to 4th Street in Cambridge, a stretch of 27 miles.
As of Thursday morning, there are 115 personnel assigned the Woodhead Fire. Resources include 1 hotshot crew, 2 helicopters, 7 engines and 2 dozers. Additional aircraft assigned to the fire include: 2 type three helicopters, 1 - type one helicopter, 2 fire bosses, 2 single engine airtankers and an air attack.
Woodhead Fire burning near Cambridge
Firefighters are focusing efforts on the south side of the fire and working off Horse Flat Road.
A burnout operation was implemented Wednesday night off the Rush Creek Road to stop the fires progression towards Cambridge. A task force of engines is focusing on holding this fireline.
The fire crossed over Highway 71 from milepost 19 up to milepost 25.5. On the north end of the fire near Grade Creek there’s an area of heat, but it is not threatening fire spread to the north.
