Idaho Wildfire Slowed by Cold front, Rain

LOWMAN, Idaho (AP) — A fire burning in the rugged wilderness between Idaho City and Lowman since July 18 has been slowed by rain.

KIVI-TV reports that the so-called Pioneer Fire has burned about 283 square miles and was 55 percent contained by Monday. Forest officials say an overnight cold front lowered temperatures into the 30s and 40s in the area on Monday. Intermittent rainfall occurred Sunday night and early Monday morning, primarily south of highway 17.

Officials said firefighters are taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidity to engage the fire directly where it is safe to do so before warmer and drier conditions return later in the week. Areas within the fire perimeter continue to burn, sending smoke to Garden Valley, Lowman, Stanley and surrounding areas.