Ketchum, Idaho (KMVT-TV / KTWT-TV) – The fire burning west of Ketchum and Hailey has destroyed one building and has forced the evacuation of six residences. A privately owned one room sleeping cabin near Claredon hot springs has burned.

At 10:30 this morning, the Sheriffs office ordered a mandatory evacuation for the Greenhorn Gulch area from the arch west. The order does not include Golden Eagle. In addition as of approximately midnight last night, Deer Creek from the Big Woodbridge west is under mandatory evacuation as well.

A Red Cross Shelter has been set up at the Community Campus in Hailey for displaced residents. Residents needing assistance moving horses or other animals are asked to call the Blaine County Public Information Officer at 720-8774.

By Thursday morning, the Beaver Creek Fire had torched 68 square miles, prompting deployment of 500 firefighters, numerous air tankers and other resources in a bid to slow its advance.

Those along Highway 75 north of the Town of Hailey saw the flame front of the Beaver Creek Fire moving east across ridge tops and valleys near War Dance. The fire is still several miles from the highway in this area. There was also active fire growth in the Deer Creek drainage with crown runs observed in timber stands. On the northern perimeter, the fire advanced to within one mile of the Baker Creek drainage. The fire grew larger today aided by gusty winds, low humidity and an unstable air. Due to the increase of burned acreage, fire containment decreased to 11 percent.

Today’s fire weather conditions are forecasted to repeat on Thursday and Friday. Predicted instability, gusty winds and low relative humidities have already led to a Red Flag Warning being issued for the region by the National Weather Service.

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