8/7/2012
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Section of Idaho 55 near Banks closed as fire causes rock fall
BANKS – Rock fall caused as the Springs fire moves through the area has closed a section of Idaho 55 today (Tuesday, August 7) from milepost 79-82, north of Banks. The area of impact may extend to milepost 84.
The fire on the Banks to Lowman road dropped down to within a mile of Banks last night and has established a presence there. The rock fall is likely a result of the fire, as the high heat loosens soil and burns vegetation that otherwise might provide a more firm foundation on the steep slopes.
“The fire has reached the highway in a few locations, and in other areas is on the steep mountains above the highway,” said David Olson with the Boise National Forest. “Due to the high risk of rocks hitting vehicles, the highway was closed at approximately 16:45 Tuesday afternoon.”
There is no timeframe on the closure, as it is directly tied to the fire containment. As long as the fire continues, the potential will exist for continued rockfall.