9/5/2005
Idaho 21 reopens to traffic with pilot-car control
BOISE - Idaho 21 reopened to controlled traffic Monday morning after an 18-hour closure because of a forest fire, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. The highway opened at 10 a.m., but pilot cars will continue to guide vehicles through the area until further notice.
A five-mile segment of the highway, between milepost 34 and Idaho City, closed at 4 p.m. Sunday. The Gregory fire came within about 200 yards of the highway.
Fire-fighting traffic continues to use the route, and helicopters transporting water for suppression is operating in the area. Motorists can expect 20-minute delays and are encouraged to use an alternate route if at all possible. If it is necessary to travel on Idaho 21, please use extreme caution because of the fire-suppression efforts and because of the extremely high fire danger.
The fire was estimated to be 541 acres Monday morning, with 30 percent containment. The fire was within two miles of Idaho City and was threatening residences, historic sites and Idaho City. Voluntary evacuations are in effect, according to the National Interagency Fire Center located in Boise.