Associated Press
IDAHO CITY, Idaho - More than 1,400 firefighters are battling a blaze in rugged terrain in southwest Idaho that grew to 66 square miles Tuesday and has destroyed a state-operated backcountry yurt.
Officials said the timber-fueled fire grew by about 5 square miles and is 28 percent contained with full containment not expected until mid-September.
About 35 homes were under pre-evacuation orders, though not immediately threatened.
Crews on Tuesday planned to build fire lines and use previous wildfire burn scars to try to prevent the fire from moving farther north, though winds could force firefighters back as has happened in recent days.
"It's a little unpredictable so we have some contingency plans if we have to pull them out of there," said fire spokesman Dave Chevalier.
The $60,000 yurt is a round, tent-like structure with a dome roof and plastic skin. It's not clear what day it was destroyed.
Ten helicopters were supporting ground crews as well as drops by retardant bombers. More than 50 fire engines and eight bulldozers were also taking part.
Two firefighters have been pulled off the lines, one because of burns when fuel spilled on him. He was treated at a Boise hospital and is recuperating at his parents' home in Boise.
