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Whiskey Complex Fire almost 50 percent contained

| July 22, 2014 9:00 PM

BOISE (AP) - Firefighters continue to gain the upper hand on two wildfires burning in the Boise National Forest.

The lighting-caused Whiskey Complex Fire has burned nearly 15 square miles since first erupting a week ago.

With the help of more than 1,000 firefighters sent to suppress the flames, the fire is now 40 percent contained. Firefighters expect to have the fire fully contained by July 30.

The fire caused residents of 70 homes to be on alert for evacuation and one unoccupied cabin was destroyed.

This week's slightly cooler temperatures are expected to help firefighters.

However, potential lightning strikes coupled with gusts of wind are a concern.

The fire's price tag, which includes costs of helicopters, has reached $5.6 million.