Governor Otter Tours North Idaho Fire

BAYVIEW, Idaho (AP) — Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has visited the area burned by the Cape Horn wildfire near the town of Bayview in northern Idaho. Thursday's tour started aboard an Idaho National Guard Blackhawk helicopter. Although heavy smoke obscured views, Otter says they were able to watch helicopters dropping water on the flames. The Spokesman-Review reports that the Cape Horn fire started Sunday and has burned 1,155 acres and six homes. Officials say it is 40 percent contained, and no longer actively threatening homes. More than 300 firefighters continue to strengthen containment lines.

Otter toured the affected neighborhoods and also urged homeowners to keep brush and trees near homes trimmed. On Monday, Otter declared Kootenai and Bonner counties a disaster emergency area because of the fire.