Wildfires are raging across the United States, with one in California and one in Idaho causing road closures.
As extreme heat brings drought conditions to many parts of the country, wildfires break out, especially in the west. The Oak Fire near Yosemite National Park and the Moose Fire in Idaho are rapidly growing, causing nearby road closures.
Fire Oak
In California, the Oak Fire reached nearly 17,000 acres near Yosemite National Park.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the following road closures are in place:
- State Route 140 from State Route 49 north to Ponderosa Way.
- Carsten Road
- Triangle Road from State Route 140 to State Route 49 and all secondary roads.
- Jerseydale road.
- Silva Rd from Cole Rd to Triangle Rd.
- Wass Road.
- Tip Top Road.
- Darrah on National Road 49.
- Westfall from Triangle to Oliver Creek.
- McNally Road.
- Woodland road.
- Brooks Road.
- Bootjack Lane.
- Cole Road.
- Carlton from Triangle to Morningstar.
- Allred from State Route 140 to Morningstar.
- Morningstar from Carlton to Allred including all secondary routes.
Cal Fire reports the wildfire began July 22 around 2 p.m. Monday morning, the Oak Fire covers nearly 17,000 acres and is at 10% containment.
The wildfire started near State Highway 140 and Carstens Road near Midpines.
Wildfire near the Idaho-Montana border
Meanwhile, in Idaho, the Moose Fire is burning nearly 36,000 acres near the Montana border.
Although the Idaho Department of Transportation is not reporting any major closures, IDOT is urging motorists to drive with extreme caution on U.S. Route 93. Motorists should also expect delays, reduced visibility, reduced speeds and enforcement of speed restrictions.
There are reports of reduced speeds from mile marker 326 to mile marker 350, 5 to 43 miles north of Salmon. The speed limit is reduced to 45 mph between mile marker 312 and mile marker 332. However, IDOT says it has received feedback that there may be an issue with this report and is investigating.
The Moose Fire began around 4 p.m. on July 17. The wildfire is about 21 miles north of Salmon, Idaho. The cause is unknown. LL
