Latest news with #TreasureValley
The Independent
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
The largest wildfire in the US this year looks set to become a ‘megafire' after covering nearly 100,000 acres
A huge wildfire burning in Oregon could swell to become a 'megafire' after spreading over more than 95,000 acres. The Cram Fire, which is ablaze in the Treasure Valley near the city of Madras, is the largest wildfire to burn in the U.S. this year, and fire crews are continuing to tackle it more than a week on. The fire broke out July 13 and tore through central Oregon, prompting evacuations, threatening hundreds of buildings and destroying at least four homes, USA Today reports. Flames first ignited near Willowdale – a remote neighborhood in Jefferson County situated 133 miles southeast of Portland – and charred grasslands in the region, fire officials said. The cause of the blaze is unknown and remains under investigation, officials said. However, if the blaze grows to at least 100,000 acres, it would be classified as 'a megafire' – the first to strike in the U.S. this year, said National Interagency Fire Center spokesman Stanton Florea to NBC News. Megafires were once considered a rare phenomenon, but in recent years, they have become increasingly common and are lasting longer. They are broadly defined by their size - 100,000 acres or more - though some experts say they must also have an unusually large impact on people and the environment. Over the last four decades, the average number of acres of forested land affected by wildfire annually in the U.S. has increased by 1,000 percent, says the National Geographic Society. Scientists have attributed the surge and frequency of wildfires to climate change. On Sunday night, fire officials said: 'Firefighters remain vigilant on the north end of the fire, continuing to monitor for any remaining heat. On the south end, crews are working to secure and connect fire lines in preparation for potential gusty winds from an approaching cold front.' They advised that any smoke north of the city of Madras was coming from other fires in the region. Roughly 35 miles from the Cram Fire, the Greely Heights fire burns across nearly 400 acres, while 25 miles north, just west of Simnasho in Wasco County, the Butte Creek Fire burns across 2,000 acres. On Sunday, the Warm Springs Police Department said that evacuation levels around the Butte Creek Fire had been downgraded to 'Level 1 – Be ready' in the Schoolie Flats Zone and the Island Zone. A 'Level 1' warning alerts residents that there is no immediate danger, but conditions could change. Officials continue to advise people to remain aware and monitor official information sources. Residents should prepare a plan and supplies. In California, where wildfires raged through Los Angeles County in January, senators are growing increasingly concerned over President Trump's federal staffing cuts at the National Weather Service.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘This is ridiculous': Why did Boise's July 4 fireworks show start so late?
As fireworks lit up the night sky above cities across the Treasure Valley on July 4, one spot was mysteriously dark: Ann Morrison Park. Despite the crowd gathered for Boise's annual city fireworks display, the show didn't begin at its normal time, which is around 10:15 p.m. One place that did quickly get lit up? Boise Parks & Recreation's Facebook page. As commenters wondered what had caused the delay — 'Just heard it was canceled due to lightning? Confirmed?' asked one — Parks & Rec tried to handle the situation in the replies. And field a few complaints. 'This is ridiculous,' wrote one commenter, 'it's 40 minutes past. Everyone's leaving.' 'We are doing our best to provide updates in the park,' Parks & Rec answered. 'We are just waiting on final approval from the (fire marshal) to begin.' The issue? 'Weather that moved through today and a variety of changing conditions,' Parks & Rec wrote. 'We understand the frustration,' the city replied to another commenter, 'but safety is our top priority.' When the pyro showcase did finally begin, it was roughly 11 p.m. And although many Boiseans were grateful — 'Great show as always,' one Facebooker posted afterward — others felt the evening had been a disappointment. 'It was just too late for the littles,' one commenter explained, 'it was sad seeing everyone leaving.' 'We are sorry for the delay — safety is always top priority,' Parks & Rec replied. 'With the weather that moved through today and a variety of changing conditions, the team was doing all they could to make sure the show happened safely.' 'We stayed and it was worth it!' another Facebooker wrote. In positive news, Ada County Dispatch had the fewest fire-related calls since it began keeping track of the data in 2017 for the time frame between midnight July 4 through 6 a.m. July 5, according to Ada County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Lauren Montague, who sent out a media release. But the county received the most calls about illegal fireworks that it's ever had in that same period: 364. 'We also received 185 texts to the admin line for a total of 549 firework complaints,' she added in a message.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Three wildfires scorch Boise area in one day. Humans caused all of them
Wildfire season was in full swing in the Treasure Valley on Saturday when fire crews responded to three blazes in a single day. Officials said humans were responsible for all of them. The Homer Fire began at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Eagle Foothills, about 1.5 miles north of Beacon Light Road and half a mile west of Linder Road, according to a social media post from the Boise District Bureau of Land Management. The agency said the fire spread to 366 acres before crews successfully contained it by creating a line around its perimeter to stop the spread at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, and extinguished it by 2:30 p.m. The Star Fire Department had issued an alert to nearby residents at 5:06 p.m. before canceling it at 8:05 p.m. Saturday. 'We are responding to a brush fire in the area of West Homer Road and North Linder Road,' the alert stated. 'Calmly evacuate the area from the intersection of Homer and Linder if you live North of Homer to the East at North Skyline Drive and follow instructions from police and fire officials.' Officials began sounding the alarm about a second fire, dubbed the Tencole Fire, at about 5 p.m. Saturday. The Tencole Fire, east of Kuna near South Cole Road and Tenmile Creek, grew to 280 acres, according to the Bureau of Land Management. Firefighters contained it by 6 p.m. and extinguished it by 8 p.m., the agency said. The Homer and Tencole fires were caused by humans, but exactly what happened is still under investigation, BLM spokesperson Chad Cline told the Idaho Statesman. Fire crews also responded to a brush fire at 10:15 p.m. near Discovery Park in Lucky Peak State Park along Idaho Highway 21, the agency said. They were able to quickly contain it within the hour. Cline said the Discovery Park fire was caused by exhaust particles from a vehicle. He advised people traveling to make sure to inspect their trailer bearings, ensure all tires have proper tread and check that chains are wrapped up. The lack of snow in the Treasure Valley has meant that grass isn't dying off in the winter and remains drier than usual, creating extra fuel for fires, according to Cline. 'We still have grass crops from the last two years, because we haven't got quite the snow pack down in the Valley, so there's a lot of carry-over grasses,' Cline said by phone. 'They're seeing drier fuel moisture than they have in the past, so it just allows the fire to carry quickly. Everything can catch fire pretty easy now, because it is so thick.' Fire experts have warned that a variety of factors could mean an intense fire season is in store for the Gem State. Gov. Brad Little expressed concern that state lawmakers did not approve enough money to fight Idaho fires this year, despite signing off on the funding bill. 'Simply put, if we have a bad fire year, the amount the Legislature appropriated for fire suppression will not be enough to cover the bills for the fires the state is responsible for,' he wrote in his transmittal letter, as he signed the bill that allocated the funding. The week of the Fourth of July has historically been a time when fires are more prevalent, often sparked by people lighting off illegal fireworks. In light of wildfire concerns, the Ada County Board of Commissioners voted June 17 to ban fireworks in parts of the county. 'Fireworks could cause massive wildfires close to residential areas if they're shooting them and they go in dry, tall grass,' Cline said. 'So that stuff can pose a problem for firefighters. If we can eliminate that factor, then it would keep our firefighters and our public land safe.'
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Dr. Kelly Bridges, MD, Named Best Spine Surgeon in the Treasure Valley
Dr. Kelly Bridges, MD, founder of Kelly Bridges Neurosurgery, has been named Best Spine Surgeon in the Treasure Valley – 2025 by Evergreen, recognizing her dedication to excellence in neurosurgical care, patient outcomes, and leadership in spine surgery. Boise, Idaho, June 11, 2025 -- Outstanding Surgical Expertise and Patient Care Dr. Bridges' journey in neurosurgery began with a Bachelor of Science in Neurosciences from UCLA, where she conducted advanced research in complex brain networks. She went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Nevada School of Medicine, where she received multiple awards, including the Outstanding Student in Neuroscience and the American Medical Women's Association Award for Academic Achievement. Her neurosurgical training at Oregon Health and Science University equipped her with expertise in managing critically ill patients with complex brain and spine diseases. She contributed to multiple research publications and achieved top scores on the written board examination for neurological surgeons. Since 2018, Dr. Bridges has provided evidence-based care to the Treasure Valley community, integrating the latest proven surgical technologies with personalized treatment plans. She is known for her meticulous approach, ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive education and guidance throughout their surgical journey. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her 100% provider rating by the Trinity Score Card for two consecutive years, a significant achievement surpassing the 77-83% average for Neurosurgery. This rating, based on post-operative complications, readmissions, and surgical outcomes, underscores her superior performance. A Leader in Neurosurgery and Patient Advocacy As a board-certified neurosurgeon, Dr. Bridges remains dedicated to continuous learning and innovation. She actively engages in national conferences, peer collaborations, and journal reviews to stay at the forefront of neurosurgical advancements. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and regularly participates in educational initiatives, delivering lectures to local physicians, hospital nursing teams, and medical students. Dr. Bridges also serves on a committee overseeing the Treasure Valley Hospital's Spine Center of Excellence, further cementing her role as a leader in advancing spine surgery in the region. Excellence in Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction Patients consistently express their gratitude for Dr. Bridges' compassionate care, clear communication, and life-changing surgical outcomes. Many testimonials highlight her ability to transform lives: Her 100% provider rating by the Trinity Scorecard reflects her commitment to patient safety, reduced complications, and successful surgical results. Additionally, her practice has earned numerous five-star reviews on Google, further demonstrating her patients' trust and satisfaction. It comes as no surprise that Dr. Bridges is the recipient of the Evergreen award for Best Spine Surgeon in the Treasure Valley - 2025. Innovative Patient Education Initiatives Recognizing the importance of patient education, Dr. Bridges has launched a series of educational videos covering essential spine surgery topics, including: These resources empower patients nationwide with critical knowledge to make informed decisions about their spinal health. Breaking Barriers and Setting New Standards As a highly skilled female neurosurgeon in a traditionally male-dominated field, Dr. Bridges challenges industry norms while delivering exceptional results. She acknowledges the preconceived notions some patients may have about neurosurgeons, and she actively works to build trust through comprehensive care, education, and superior patient outcomes. By increasing her online presence and educational outreach, she aims to expand access to high-quality spine surgery in the Treasure Valley and beyond. Dr. Bridges encourages patients to advocate for their own care, ensuring they receive the best available treatment options. 'Our goal is not just to perform successful surgeries but to guide patients through every step of their journey with transparency, compassion, and excellence,' says Dr. Bridges. About Kelly Bridges Neurosurgery Kelly Bridges Neurosurgery provides advanced, evidence-based spine surgery with a patient-first approach. Led by Dr. Kelly Bridges, MD, the practice is committed to delivering exceptional surgical outcomes while prioritizing patient education and long-term well-being. For more information, visit: Check out patient reviews on Yelp and Google Reviews. Media Contact Dr. Kelly Bridges, MD Kelly Bridges Neurosurgery Email:[email protected] Contact Info: Name: Dr. Kelly Bridges, MD Email: Send Email Organization: Kelly Bridges Neurosurgery Website: Release ID: 89159583 Should any problems, inaccuracies, or doubts arise from the content contained within this press release, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, taking necessary steps to rectify identified issues or assist with the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is at the core of our commitment to our readers.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Boise area likely to get soaked during busy weekend of major outdoor events
The National Weather Service is predicting rain and wind for the Treasure Valley during a busy weekend of outdoor events. Friday night will see increasing clouds, with rain showers expected Saturday, according to the NWS forecast. Thunderstorms are possible after 3 p.m., and there could be as much as half an inch of rain throughout the day. Stormy conditions will continue through Saturday night. Those going to the Treasure Valley Family YMCA's Famous Idaho Potato Marathon on Saturday morning should grab a jacket or umbrella, with rain and possibly a thunderstorm expected. Those attending the state high school track and field, baseball, softball and tennis tournaments — sites in Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Caldwell, Nampa and Meridian are hosting — also should plan for the weather, which could wreak havoc with schedules. The NWS predicts winds between 6-8 mph with a temperature of nearly 60 degrees on Saturday. Total new rainfall is anticipated to be between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with the possibility of thunderstorms bringing in more. The wet weekend weather is expected continue into Saturday evening, when winds could gust into the low 20-mph range. On Sunday, there could be gusts as strong as 30 mph, according to the weather service, and there could be more showers in the morning. The predicted high is 58. Monday onward is predicted to 'dry out and temperatures trend up,' NWS of Boise noted in an X post.
