Idaho Wildfires Continue to Grow

The wildfire that began on August 7 in central Idaho as the result of a lightning strike grew to new levels of concern over the weekend, spanning an area of more than 100,000 acres, or nearly 160 square miles, as of Sunday.

Hundreds more firefighters were called in to combat the blaze, bringing the total up to 1,200. More than 2,250 residents have been evacuated. It has been reported that insurance companies are providing private engine crews for the protection of homes and structures.

Resources remain thin, however, as 40 large wildfires continue to burn in nine states, including two more in Idaho, one of which has covered roughly 150,000 acres but is 95 percent contained. Another resides in the Boise National Forest, and while it is 55 percent contained, it has already torched 120,000 acres.

The Beaver Creek fire is 9 percent contained.

According to the Idaho Stateman, in the past 25 years, more than half have seen 5 million acres of wild land burned nationwide. In 2012, 2008 and 2007, more than 9 million acres were burned, and eight of the nine worst fire years since 1960 have taken place since 2000.

While no damage estimates have been released, the fire continues to threaten the Sun Valley recreational area, as well as the towns of Hailey and Ketchum.