Mandatory evacuations are in place for the central Idaho mountain town of Pine and surrounding communities. That’s because the 125-square-mile Elk Complex wildfire is getting closer. Kimberlee Kruesi is covering this wildfire for the Times-News in Twin Falls.
"I'm most struck by the residents' love for this area and true concern," says Kruesi. Sunday night she interviewed people who'd lived in the town of Pine for 15 years. "And they were crying because they knew this area is never going to look the same."
Last year the Trinity Ridge fire burned near Pine and the town of Featherville. Many residents then chose to stay and protect their homes. This time, about 100 residents in Pine have chosen to stay. "They are out there with their chainsaws," explains Kruesi. "They're trying to build up as much of a barrier to the fire, cutting down trees, clearing out brush, keeping on sprinklers as much as they can to keep things wet and cool."
A fire information officer told Boise State Public Radio that the Elk Complex is moving much faster than the Trinity Ridge fire did a year ago, and represents a "serious situation." The Elmore County Sheriff's office has strongly encouraged residents to leave as the wildfire creeps closer to homes.
For the latest on the Elk Complex and others burning in Idaho visit InciWeb. We've also compiled a list of sources who frequently Tweet the latest fire information.
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