Rains Help Douse Idaho Wildfire

IDAHO CITY, Idaho (KTVB) - Heavy rain Saturday night helped firefighters get a handle on a late-season wildfire burning in Boise County.

The Walker Fire is now 92 percent contained. Fire managers say a quarter-inch of rain fell on the fire area overnight. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity Sunday are allowing crews to focus on securing containment lines. The wet, cool weather has also helped clear much of the smoke out of the Treasure Valley. The fire started on Saturday, Oct. 10 about eight miles southwest of Idaho City.

Strong winds that night fueled the flames and the fire quickly spread to about 2,500 acres. It destroyed three cabins and an outbuilding during its initial run. Nearly 600 firefighters are working the fire, but those numbers are expected to drop as full containment nears. Fire managers will hold a community meeting to provide updates on the fire Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Idaho City Community Center.