Fire Readiness Level at its Highest in Five Years

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise raised the wildfire preparedness level Tuesday to the highest level for the first time in five years and listed two central Idaho wildfires as the country's top priorities.

Officials say about 1,250 homes remain evacuated in the resort area of Ketchum and Sun Valley due to the 160-square-mile Beaver Creek Fire. Blaine County officials lifted a mandatory evacuation for residents of about 600 homes.

About 1,750 personnel are now assigned to the blaze that through Monday has cost $11.6 million to fight. About 50 miles west, the tiny mountain town of Atlanta is under evacuation orders due to the 10-square-mile Little Queens Fire burning through timber. Only about 65 firefighters have made it to the remote area so far.