TWIN FALLS -- A wildire that burned in the Snake River Canyon north of Twin Falls and forced the evacuation of homes is under control.
Bureau of Land Management Spokesman Brock Astle says fire crews contained the Auger Falls Fire late Thursday night, about eight hours after the fire ignited and spread quickly along the canyon floor.
"Because the fire is in the canyon, what makes it particulary unique because our engines become somewhat insignificant as we have to have hand crews and have to do hose lays to reach up into the high points of the canyon wall. So that kinda changes our tactic," Astle said.
Astle says winds hampered the firefighting efforts.
The latest estimates show the blaze burned 588 acres along the south side of the Snake River, forcing the evacuation of homes along the canyon's south rim. Initial estimates reported the fire burning up to 1,300 acres.
No injuries were reported, but some homes had minor damage from the fire or smoke.
Authorities are still investigating the start of the fire, which is believed caused when someone tossed a cigarette butt to the ground.
