BLAINE COUNTY, Idaho (KTVB) -- The Preacher Fire started just before 3 p.m. Monday and has grown to 3,500 acres according to the Bureau of Land Management Twin Falls District.  

The fire burning six miles southwest of Carey closed a 24-mile stretch of Highway 26 between milepost 182 and milepost 205, which is from Richfield to Carey for around three hours. Idaho State Police say the highway has since been reopened, however the Idaho Transportation Department suggests drivers use alternate routes.

Thunderstorms and winds in the area are fanning the flames. Officials with Blaine County say there are nine engines, three dozers, two water tenders, four single engine air tankers, one helicopter, one air attack, one heavy air tanker, in addition to six overhead supervisors are on scene. BLM officials say the fire has made several shifts of direction due to strong winds and firefighters have been battling extreme fire behavior. No structures are threaten at this time, and the cause of the fire is still unknown. There is no estimated contain or control time.

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