Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Picture of the day: Fighting fire with water as Idaho burns

 

Agency
Sunday 18 August 2013 19:34 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A wildfire in central Idaho forced the evacuation of 2,250 homes near the upmarket tourist towns of Hailey and Ketchum over the weekend, as firefighters lost ground against the blaze that also threatens the Sun Valley ski resort.

Helicopters used water from ponds to tackle the blaze, dumping it over the flames at Beaver Creek wildfire outside Hailey, pictured left and above, while workers replaced burnt power poles, below.

“Our customers are talking about nothing else,” said Alexis Sualez, who works at Zaney’s River Street Coffee in Hailey. “People are pretty worried.”

The valley is crisscrossed by recreational trails and gated subdivisions of luxury homes that border the Sawtooth National Forest. It is one of several enclaves in Western states that have been menaced in recent days by wildfires fuelled by record heat, drought and fierce winds.

Crews grappling with the Beaver Creek fire were warned that conditions could rapidly deteriorate amid rising temperatures and gusting winds.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in