Update 8:15 a.m.: The Pony Complex destroyed two cabins and an outbuilding this morning in Syrup Creek. Evacuations have been ordered. Crews have been working to protect multiple residences in the Syrup Canyon area including Miller Ranch.
The Pony Complex has consumed 119,543 acres and is now 20 percent contained. The communities of Mayfield, Canyon Creek area and the Danskin and Bennett Mountain Lookouts remain evacuated.
There are numerous road closures in effect along with an area closure. For the latest information on this wildfire and others burning in Idaho check InciWeb.
Update 9:22 a.m.: The Pony Complex, burning 12 miles northeast of Mountain Home, has grown to 100,090 acres. Evacuations were ordered Saturday for 200 homes in the Mayfield area. That includes Regina, Indian Creek and Baseline Roads.
The Danskin lookout was also evacuated and retardant was used to protect the lookout structure.
An unknown number of cows and sheep that graze on Forest Service allotments in the area are missing.
Burnout operations are being done to protect Mayfield. More than 200 people are working to get this wildfire under control. This fire is moving through sagebrush and grass and is showing extreme behavior. Currently it’s 10 percent contained.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and tonight bringing winds up to 45 mph. That could create extreme fire behavior for wildfires like the Pony Complex and this storm could start new fires. That’s prompted the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning from noon today until 11 p.m. tonight.
ORIGINAL STORY: It's another busy day for crews battling wildfires burning across Idaho's hot and dry southern half.
Authorities on Saturday started knocking in doors in the small Elmore County town of Mayfield, urging residents to leave as the nearby Mudd Fire burns. Evacuees are being told to find shelter at the Good Counsel Hall in Mountain Home.
On Friday, authorities evacuated the towns of Prairie and the Fall Creek area due to threats of the Pony Complex Fire, also burning in Elmore County. Officials say the fire area covers about 39 square miles, stretching to the southwestern end of Anderson Ranch Reservoir.
Meanwhile, fires ignited by lightning earlier last week near Fairfield are still posing problems. Officials say the blazes have destroyed buildings and killed 100 head of cattle.