Lightning triggers local range fires

A thunderstorm bringing lighting and high winds triggered five range fires across southwestern Idaho, including two in the local area.

The Beeter Fire burned approximately three acres of land about seven miles southeast of Mountain Home off Beet Dump Road.

Crews with the Mountain Home Rural Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire and had it contained and controlled at 7 p.m. that evening, according to a press statement from the Bureau of Land Management.

The Wash Fire burned approximately seven miles to the southwest of Grand View. Approximately 10 acres in size, the blaze showed little activity on Tuesday with the Grand View Rural Fire Department knocking down the active flames. The BLM dispatched three engines and a contract dozer to fight the fire.

The storm also ignited the Spring Fire, which burned through grass and juniper range land approximately seven miles to the southeast of Silver City. Estimated at 20 acres in size as of Tuesday evening, the BLM dispatched a helicopter and two teams of smokejumpers.

The Boulder and Boone fires were reported as single trees on fire in the vicinity of the Spring Fire and showed little activity.

Meanwhile, the Soda Fire crossed Highway 95 near Mile Marker 7 near the Idaho-Oregon border. Highway 95 between Marsing to Jordan Valley reopned Wednesday morning after the advancing fire prompted a previous highway closure.

The fire was mapped at 78,720 acres with structures threatened by the fire currently the top priority for fire fighters.

One structure was reported lost due to the fire, but the BLM had no confirmation on the location.

The fire burned some powerlines that triggered a power outage in Jordan Valley.