Striking video captures flames threatening homes in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho -- A large brush fire near downtown Boise destroyed two structures and was threatening several homes, reports the CBS affiliate there, KBOI-TV.

Boise authorities say at least one of the destroyed structures was a house.

It was estimated up to 800 acres had been charred by early Thursday.

Officials had originally estimated that four acres had been lost, but that number was downgraded.

After hearing a large boom, a KBOI 2News photographer saw one house fully engulfed in flames.

The blaze appears headed away from homes, authorities said.

There were no mandatory evacuations, but police did warn some residents in the vicinity to be ready in case they need to leave.

There was no early word on what caused the fire.

Firefighters started to gain the upper hand on the flames thanks to promising conditions, including higher humidity and light winds.

But Boise Fire Chief Dennis Doane told KBOI residents needed to steer clear. "We're having a lot of problems with people clogging the streets," Doan said.

The homeowner of a house that was destroyed said the family got out safely, but their three cats were.

No injuries were reported.