(NECN/NBC News: Brian Mooar) - The Idaho mountain ski resorts of Sun Valley and Ketchum are in the line of fire.
As reinforcements were brought in to battle the massive blaze, thousands of residents were ordered to run for safety.
Authorities say most are heeding the warning, traffic jamming the roadways leading to safety.
"You know, it's been a very busy day,” said Blaine County Sheriff Gene D. Ramsey. “We've had a lot of evacuations going on today in multiple areas and we're overwhelmed really with doing evacuations.”
The Beaver Creek fire, kindled by lightning ten days ago is only six percent contained and grew by 44 miles in a day despite the best efforts by a growing army of firefighters.
The blaze has already scorched more than 64,000 acres.
Gusty winds and high temperatures ensure these fire crews will have a tough fight on their hands for days to come.
