More crews arrive to help battle Idaho wildfire

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By TODD DVORAK

HAILEY, Idaho (AP) - Fire officials say a wildfire pushed by strong gusts and fed by dry timber and brush made a push north and forced more evacuations near the Idaho resort town of Ketchum.

Still, firefighters made some progress on the Beaver Creek Fire Saturday as five more hotshot crews arrived to slow the march of flames toward homes in the affluent town and neighboring Hailey.

The fire grew to 144 square miles Friday night and pushed north of Ketchum near U.S. Highway 75. Officials will have a better sense of the size after flyovers with infrared cameras Saturday night.

So far, 2,300 residences have been evacuated since the lightning-ignited fire began Aug. 7.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20130818/DA8818CG0.html

---

Helicopters battle the 64,000 acre Beaver Creek Fire on Friday, Aug., 16, 2013 north of Hailey, Idaho. A number of residential neighborhoods have been evacuated because of the blaze.(AP Photo/Times-News, Ashley Smith) MANDATORY CREDIT

[Iliyah]

1. prayers. . .

[IDemo]

2. Private insurance companies supplying crews and equipment as well

In addition to the government firefighters, some private insurers have sent in their own crews to provide structural protection for homes with values that can stretch into the millions of dollars, Blaine County Sheriff Spokeswoman Bronwyn Nickel said.

"There are private engines that insurance companies have sent in," she said. "They're on site. They're working with our local firefighters and law enforcement."

I had not heard of such a practice before.

[Rebellious Republican]

6. Wealth has its privilages.

"for homes with values that can stretch into the millions of dollars" Go figure.

[idahoblue]

3. Much quieter here in Hailey tonight

The wind is calm, more crews arriving throughout the day. National Guard to arrive tomorrow. The fire on Carbonate, the mountain that dominates Hailey, was spectacular and scary. I live on the east side of town so no danger, i did get up at 3am to go outside and watch. There are still spot fires scattered with the occasional blowup when it ignites a tree. The evacuations are mostly because these canyons have just one way out.

The smoke has cleared for now, can let some cool air into our house. I think the fire has mostly moved north. This is in prime recreational lands. Some "posh" residences but mostly just regular working folks. The economic impact will be significant as many businesses depend on August to make a profit for the year. We have canceled some major events and may be in danger of canceling the biggest event, Labor Day weekend.

It breaks my heart to see the devastation of our beautiful valley but it also proves that Mother Nature is still in charge.

[truebluegreen]

4. My thoughts are with you, idahoblue

I was a long-time resident of the valley and it breaks my heart to see these fires, not only for what it does to a beautiful area but also how it hurts the locals through the economy.

Stay strong and safe. Best wishes.

[4bucksagallon]

5. I hope these guys make sure they are insured unlike the unfortunate ones before. eom