Median Fire caused by vehicle, downgraded to 4,060 acres

WENDELL, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — A wildfire burning between Wendell and Gooding was initially stated as growing to 8,600 acres but only grew to 4,060 acres and was caused by a vehicle, Adam Leija, a fire information officer with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, said Thursday afternoon in an update.

Crews expect to have the fire contained by 8 p.m. Thursday.

Two structures burned in the fire. Evacuations were issued in the area but have since been lifted, Sheriff Gough said. Idaho Power crews are replacing several power poles that burned in the fire.

“I would like to remind the public to secure their load, chains on trailers when towing, and keeping up on general maintenance of vehicle to keep an unintentional fire from starting,” said Leija.

The fire was first reported around noon Wednesday on Idaho 511 near mile marker 152 on I-84 in Wendell. All westbound lanes were closed. As of 12:45 p.m., westbound lanes on I-84 had reopened.

“That fire was pushed east with those high winds. We are in a red flag warning and from I-84 the wind pushed the fire to Highway 46,” Leija said.

Around 1 p.m., the fire was reported along State Highway 46 from East 2800 South to mile marker 105. All lanes of Highway 46 were shut down at the city limits south of Gooding and north of Wendell.

Multiple agencies responded, including Idaho Power.

Around 1:30 p.m., BLM Idaho Fire said the fire had grown to about 1,000 acres and had jumped the highway and was continuing to move east.

As of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, State Highway 46 was reopened.

By Wednesday evening, winds were at 20 mph, and the fire was burning through fire retardant and jumping dozer lines. Impacts included the junkyard north of Wendell and the transfer station.

No injuries have been reported.

Multiple agencies responded to the fire, including Idaho Power. State Highway 46 reopened as of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Drivers are encouraged to check Idaho 511 for the latest road conditions.