Four homes destroyed by Eagle fire; disaster area declared
The fire, near Linder and Homer roads, has burned about 4,500 acres. At this point in time, crews have contained the blaze and are camped out in case a spark ignites another fire.
The fire has caused Ada County Commissioner Chairman Fred Tilman to sign a disaster emergency declaration. The notice calls for a "county disaster."
Crews had initially estimated the acres burned at a much higher number, but they've since downgraded.
** Updated Eagle grass fire photos **
Ada County deputies are now allowing all residents to return to their homes in the evacuated areas. Many had been displaced at Eagle High School and have cots and meals available via the Red Cross.
About 300 firefighters are attacked the blaze on the ground and from the air. Earlier Wednesday, the fire forced some fire crew members to leave the immediate area for safer grounds.
The fire was started by a bolt of lightning.
"I watched the storm come in, and I watched the lightning strike that spot from my window," said local resident Lacey Wesely. "Within about four minutes I saw what looked like a whitish ash cloud on the foothill. Then within a couple minutes thereafter, I could see the smoke start to rise."
Stay tuned for updates.
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Raw video of the fire:
