Evacuations ordered in Idaho for the Four Corners fire

CNN
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Increased fire activity has prompted the implementation of evacuation orders in parts of Idaho affected by the Four Corners Fire, which was reported Aug. 13.

The blaze, which was caused by lightning, is about 18% contained and has burned more than 10,100 acres, according to InciWeb, a clearing house for fire information in the United States. The fire affects both Payette National Forest and Boise National Forest.

The Valley County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to evacuate the area and has closed some roads due to the fire.

« If you have property in this area, you will not be able to access it until the area is safe for you, it will be a tough closure, » the sheriff’s office said.

A cold, dry front is expected to pass over the fire zone on Saturday, according to a press release posted on InciWeb. This front is expected to change the direction of winds in the region and could produce gusts of 25 to 35 mph, according to the agency.

« Cold fronts are weather phenomena of concern to firefighters, » the statement said. “Even though they bring cooler temperatures, no rain is expected and the change in wind direction challenges firefighting efforts.”

The Boise area has had a hot summer, with a record 22 days of temperatures over 100 degrees this year, eclipsing the previous record of 20 days, according to the Boise National Weather Service.

The NWS Boise also said the region is on course for its hottest August since records began in 1975.

“Boise is likely to end the month with an average temperature above 80 degrees, which has never been recorded in August before,” NWS Boise said.