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Photos courtesy of Forest Service.

Closures of Idaho 21 and Banks-Lowman Road required
as wildfire season in southwest Idaho rages

An active fire season in District 3 has kept maintenance forces busy, and motorists double-checking if routes to popular summer camping and recreational spots are open and safe for travel.

On Aug. 9, ITD reopened a section of Idaho 21 between Idaho City and Lowman that closed two weeks earlier, on July 26, due to the Pioneer Fire, which has burned tens of thousands of acres in the Boise National Forest. The fire, fueled by warm temperatures, winds and rugged terrain that thwarted fire-fighting efforts, also forced the closure of a section of the Boise County owned and maintained Banks-Lowman Road, which connects Idaho 55 and Idaho 21.

Additionally, Idaho 21 between Lowman and Stanley has experienced intermittent closures due to yet another fire, the Dry Creek Fire, sparked by lightning Aug. 5.
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Despite Idaho 21 reopening to the public, only essential traffic is encouraged to resume using the highway due to smoky conditions/low visibility and fire-vehicle activity.

“Our crew has been working very closely with the Forest Service to ensure the safety of our roadways is maintained for anyone who lives near Idaho 21 or travels on it,” said Idaho City Foreman Stuart Wilson. “We’ve been busy up here, no question.”

And a reminder from D3 Operations Manager Michael Garz before you hit the road.

“I really can’t stress enough the importance of checking 511 before you head out,” Garz said. “With fire conditions constantly changing, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on current conditions.”

For some amazing photos and videos of the Pioneer Fire, please visit the U.S. Forest Service’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Pioneer-Fire-682201165260518/