Crews battling the Williams Creek Fire burning near the Idaho County backcountry community of Orogrande have gained ground.
The blaze that forced the evacuation of Orogrande, is now listed at nearly 13,000 acres and is 15 percent contained.
According to a news release from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, low visibility due to heavy smoke kept aerial resources grounded, while crews identified and mapped structures in the Red River Valley for protection needs, if the fire approaches there.
Fallen trees were removed, but the area remains closed to the public. The Level 3 evacuation order remains in effect for the entire Orogrande area.
Meanwhile, the Twin Lakes Fire burning in the Gospel Hump Wilderness, is now estimated to be 950 acres and crews have added structure protection at Moore’s Station. The blaze is now listed at 15 percent contained.
