The McGuire Wildfire Complex burned within three miles of Dixie Monday, as some residents evacuated the area.
Earlier in the day, the U.S. Forest Service issued a Stage 3 evacuation request – one step below a mandatory evacuation – as rising temperatures and winds gave new life to the blaze. Nine 20-man crews were attacking the fire Sunday, but many firefighters retreated into town to concentrate on structure protection.
Winds gusting up to 15 miles an hour were expected to shift Tuesday in a more direct line toward Dixie. The main road in and out of town is closed, except to residents, but officials say it could be closed to all traffic if the corridor becomes compromised by the advancing fire.
The lightning-caused complex has grown to more than 14,000 acres.
Structure protection work was reported completed in the Powell and Lochsa Lodge area where the Powell-Selway Bitterroot Fire Complex has been burning for several weeks. Fire protection work continued around the Bear Mountain Lookout.
The Cache Creek Fire, burning along Hells Canyon south of Asotin, was 90 percent contained as of Monday night, with full containment estimated for Sept. 15. The blaze has grown to 73,500 acres, and 436 firefighters remain on site.
