BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Wildfires have destroyed 42 homes and at least 79 outbuildings in northern Idaho near the town of Kamiah.

More than 700 firefighters on Monday along with 40 fire engines and four helicopters are fighting the blazes trying to protect homes but residents along an 11-mile section of U.S. Highway 12 have been told to be ready to flee.

The group of lightning-caused fires has scorched about 70 square miles of mainly forest and is 15 percent contained.

On the Idaho-Oregon border some 800 firefighters had a giant 443-square-mile wildfire 70 percent contained.

The week-old fire has scorched grassland needed for cattle and primary habitat for sage grouse, a bird under consideration for federal protections.

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