PINE, Idaho -- The U.S. Forest Service is urging residents in and around the rural communities of Pine and Featherville to prepare for further road closures and evacuation on Wednesday.
Officials say the 63,000-acre Trinity Ridge Fire has grown significantly in the past 24 hours, and they expect more hot, dry weather to further feed the flames.
Dave Olson of the Boise National Forest said he expects the fire to reach both communities in the immediate future. "It's not if, but when," Olson said.
Forest Service officials said they believed flames were as close as 2 to 3 miles from Featherville on Wednesday. Olson said he believes about 900 buildings are currently threatened by the fire, including about 500 homes or cabins.
The U.S. Forest Service is urging residents in and around the rural communities of Pine and Featherville to attend a Wednesday meeting to discuss further fire evacuation plans.
The meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Pine Senior Center.
Meanwhile, the Elmore County Sheriff's Office plans to close roads to all incoming and non-emergency traffic after 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Officials say a valid photo identification and proof of residency will be required for homeowners and immediate family members to access area roads until that time.
Area homeowners are encouraged to remove all valuables, pets, photos, and prescription medication before the 5 p.m. road closure.
For more information, you can visit the InciWeb Trinity Ridge Fire website.
