Sean Christensen-KTVB

A large plume of smoke could be seen from Highway 55.

BANKS – A 14-mile stretch of Highway 55 was shut down this afternoon because a wildfire is burning along the roadside.

The Idaho Transportation Department says the closure is located from milepost 65 to 79 on Highway 55, that's north of Horseshoe Bend to the junction of Banks-Lowman Road.

Meanwhile, fire crews are still trying to get a handle on a fire that has blackened more than 1,500 acres.  

The Chief Parrish Fire is burning four miles south of Banks, but you can see smoke from the blaze right here in the valley.

Firefighters are concerned about a red flag warning in effect today from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. tonight.  Thunderstorms are in the forecast and could produce strong and erratic winds that could potentially cause the fire to spread rapidly.

It is burning on both sides of the Payette River and is threatening structures in the area.

The fire started last night on the road and burned up the hill beside Highway 55.

Dry fuels, steep terrain and hot temperatures helped the fire grow quickly.

The blaze caused major traffic delays for holiday travelers on Highway 55.

Fire activity has caused rolling rocks and falling trees.  Travel on Highway 55 is discouraged.  Motorists should expect delays today because of the firefighting effort.

For updated information on Idaho road closures, go to: 511.Idaho.gov.

Air tankers and helicopters are helping crews knock down flames but they don't have an estimated time of containment right now.

Additionally, 16 engines from local fire departments including Garden Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Emmett, Kuna and Boise City Fire are working on the fire.

BLM crews are also working a fire in Owyhee County.

The Rose Creek Fire is 300 acres and is burning about 21 miles south of Silver City.

Fire crews were pulled off that fire to respond to the fire near Banks.

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