KELLOGG — Firefighters are battling the Gold Run Fire burning between Elizabeth Park and Big Creek, south of Interstate 90 in Shoshone County, where evacuations remain in place and structures are threatened.

The fire started at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday and had grown to about 50 acres by 6:30 p.m., with 0% containment. Evacuations have been ordered for the Big Creek and upper Elizabeth Park areas, with the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office overseeing evacuation efforts.

Shoshone County Sheriff Shawn Wehr said some structure and property damage has been confirmed at the Shoshone Golf Course near Big Creek.

“There are some structures and homes being threatened, which is why the evacuation orders are in effect for Big Creek and upper Elizabeth Park,” Wehr said.

About 60 personnel are assigned to the fire, including nine engines, one crew and a helicopter, with additional resources on order. The fire is under the protection of the Idaho Department of Lands, with incident command led by IDL Fire Warden Terry Zufelt. Agencies assisting include the U.S. Forest Service, Silver Valley Fire Rescue and local law enforcement.

“This guy is sharp and he’s doing a great job,” Wehr said. “We’ve got great people up here working on this.”

Wehr said the incident is one large fire burning across a rugged area south of Interstate 90, though two hot spots have made it appear as multiple fires. He noted that steep, densely wooded terrain and the fire’s spread have made containment difficult.

Wind has also played a major role.

“It’s looking good, like we’ve got a good hold on it, but the winds are unpredictable,” Wehr said.

Winds are expected to die down later Tuesday evening, which could help crews gain the upper hand.

“If they give us that mercy, we’re gonna beat this,” Wehr said.

Authorities say the cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed, but it has been reported that a downed power transformer may have sparked the blaze. According to Silver Valley Fire Rescue Chief Scott Dietrich, power was shut off in the area to reduce the risk of additional fires.

An evacuation shelter has been established at Real Life Ministries in Pinehurst. US Metro Towing in Smelterville is allowing residents to stage equipment, machinery and other mobile property at its location.

    Smoke rises from the Gold Run Fire on Tuesday.
  

    A helicopter joins the battle against the Gold Run Fire on Tuesday.