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Update: Fire Sparks Evacuations Near Atlanta

Boise National Forest

Updated: 7:45 a.m. August 9, 2012

Evacuations remain in place this morning for people living in Rocky Bar, Dutch Creek and Swanholm. That's due to the Trinity Ridge fire which is now at more than 23,000 acres. At eight percent containment, 406 people are working to build new fire line today. 

Updated: 6:15 p.m. August 8, 2012

The Trinity Ridge fire has grown rapidly today, sparking evacuations in Rocky Bar, Dutch Creek, and Swanholm.  That includes both residents and recreationists. 

Firefighters are protecting structures in Dutch Creek and Rocky Bar. Half of those structures are homes.

Evacuated residents will stay with family for safety.  No evacuation center has been set up since there are so few residents. 

Mark Regan with the Boise National Forest says 350 people are fighting the fire, including three helicopters. Those helicopters are being shared with crews fighting other fires.  

Regan says as soon as embers from the fire land on the dry conditions, new fires start.  He calls this blaze "a hard fight."

Because of the blaze, the town of Atlanta is only open to residents.  Officials advise those with respiratory conditions to evacuate Atlanta because of the smoke.  There are several road closures in the area. 

The fire has burned almost 13,000 acres overnight and is now 17,000 acres.  It's ten miles Northwest of Featherville.

Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio

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