8/12/2005
Lane restrictions lifted for Idaho 14 east of Grangeville
LEWISTON - Restrictions have been lifted for a portion of Idaho 14 threatened Thursday by a growing wildfire near Grangeville, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Although the Blackerby fire, approximately 18 road miles east of Grangeville, grew more than fourfold Thursday night, its direction of travel shifted, enabling the transportation department to fully open the highway to Elk City. Officials warn, however, that restrictions could be imposed again on short notice if conditions change.
Motorists are urged to use extreme caution on the highway because of increased traffic from fire suppression efforts and the possibility of debris on the highway.
The fire in Nez Perce National Forest timber grew from about 500 acres Thursday to more than 2000 acres Friday. Firefighters still are having difficulty gaining control of the blaze and reported only 5 percent containment Friday no improvement from the day before.
The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise reported 11 active fires in the state, including three new ones on the Nez Perce National Forest and one new one in the Payette National Forest.