Scott Evans-KTVB

The Chief Parrish Fire is burning on a steep hillside. Falling trees and rock are creating a hazard for firefighters and travel on Highway 55.

BOISE -- The Chief Parrish Fire burning along Highway 55 south of Banks has now grown to 2,790 acres. 

Highway 55 is currently open between Horseshoe Bend and Banks, however the Idaho Transportation Department has implemented a pilot car system, that restricts traffic to one lane only. Travelers can expects delays of up to 30 minutes.

Fire managers are planning to conduct a burnout operation on the north end of the fire today or tomorrow depending on the weather. It will be between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. The highway will be closed during that operation.

Resources on the fire include 16 engines and three crews.  Aircraft have been working on the fire throughout the day as wind and smoke conditions allowed.

Highway 55 was closed for most of Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning due to the fire danger form north of Horseshoe Bend (Milepost 65) to the Highway 55/Banks-Lowman Road junction at milepost 79. It reopened to one lane of traffic at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Alternate routes include Highway 95 and Highway 21 to the Banks-Lowman Highway to Highway 55. 

The road closure is necessary for firefighter and public safety due to rolling rocks and falling trees as a result of the fire.

For the latest road conditions and closure information, go to 511.Idaho.gov.

The Payette River remains open to floaters between Banks and points south. River users are cautioned to be alert to air operations in the area.