Officials warn campers to stay away from central Idaho fire

LOWMAN, Idaho – A giant central Idaho wildfire is continuing to expand to the north and officials are asking the public to avoid camping in front of the fast-moving blaze this weekend.

The 280-square-mile fire near Lowman has had a series of large increases this week but officials say cooler weather should slow its progress in coming days.

The fire is burning in timber in remote, mountainous terrain far from populated areas, though some low-level evacuations are in place.

About 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze that’s 52 percent contained but not expected to be extinguished until a rain or snow event this fall.

The cause of the fire is unknown.