Full Breakdown
Ohio Fire Near Hailey Spurs Immediate Evacuations and Road Closures
7/19/2026, 1:01:08 PM
The Fast-Moving Wildfire
On Saturday, July 18, 2026, a wildfire dubbed the “Ohio Fire” ignited off Ohio Gulch Road northeast of Hailey, Idaho. The blaze spread rapidly through sagebrush, prompting the Blaine County South Fire Protection District to report a size of 880 acres, while a separate county update listed the fire at 500 acres. No cause has been disclosed.
Evacuation Zones and Shelters
The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office placed several zones under evacuation orders:
- Indian Creek zone – Level 3 “GO NOW,” covering all homes in the Indian Creek Subdivision and canyon.
- Hiawatha zone – Level 2 “SET,” requiring residents of the Hiawatha neighborhood, including Red Devil Lane, to prepare for immediate departure.
- East Fork-Triumph zone – Level 2 “SET,” extending from the nearby mine eastward.
Buttercup Road at Highway 75 and Red Devil Lane remain closed. Evacuees may seek shelter at Life Church (931 N. River St., Hailey) or WR Middle School, where the American Red Cross provides basic necessities and information.
Agency Response
Fire crews from Ketchum, Sun Valley, Carey, Hailey, and Bellevue fire departments, alongside the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, are actively battling the blaze. Officials have repeatedly urged the public to stay clear of the fire area to allow safe access for responders and to refrain from calling dispatch for fire updates, directing residents to official channels for information.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Acreage: The Blaine County South Fire Protection District cites 880 acres, whereas a county press release lists 500 acres.
- Cause: Neither the sheriff’s office nor fire agencies have released details about the fire’s origin.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The road is shut down at Starweather. This means leave immediately. You are in fire danger,” — Blaine County Sheriff’s Office
- “Do not fly drones to get a look. If you fly, aerial fire support cannot,” — Blaine County Sheriff’s Office
- “Please do not call dispatch for fire updates. Stay tuned here or on our website for updates.” — Blaine County Sheriff’s Office
- “Residents are being told to leave immediately because they are in fire danger, and officials said people will not be allowed back into the area until the fire danger has passed.” — Blaine County officials
The Ohio Fire remains active, with authorities emphasizing evacuation compliance and limiting public interference to protect both residents and firefighting operations.
