An 8,600-acre wildfire devastates a large salvage yard in Idaho that houses 8,000 vehicles.

      Idaho News 6 via YouTube

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      The wide expanses of the American West provide ample space for storing old vehicles and a dry climate that helps prevent rust. However, this week, car aficionados were reminded of another danger that large salvage yards face: wildfires.

      L&L Classic Auto in Wendell, Idaho, claims to have over 8,000 cars on site ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s. While most of these are considered parts cars and not salvageable, they nonetheless serve as a valuable resource for maintaining other vehicles or, for those making the journey to rural Idaho, a fascinating glimpse into automotive history. Earlier this week, a wildfire known as the Median Fire threatened Wendell and the salvage yard.

      David Freiburger via YouTube

      Discovering the LARGEST CLASSIC-CAR JUNKYARD with Freiburger, a D/F Extra

      On Wednesday, David Freiburger, who has filmed multiple videos at L&L over the years, posted on Facebook that the fire had reached the collection of vintage vehicles, referencing reports from locals. A subsequent update stated that “everyone is okay,” but that “the junkyard suffered significant damage.”

      According to Idaho News 6, the Median Fire is currently estimated to cover 8,600 acres. As of late Wednesday, officials from the Bureau of Land Management reported that the fire's advancement had halted. The flames were consuming grass and brush and were being pushed east by the wind, having been initially recorded about four miles northwest of Wendell at 11:55 a.m. on Wednesday, and crossing State Highway 46, where L&L is situated.

      Median Fire Destroys Salvage Yard, Scorches 8,600 Acres in Magic Valley

      A complete evaluation of the damage will have to wait until the fire is contained, but images accompanying Freiburger’s post, showing burning vehicles and smoke filling the air around the salvage yard, are concerning.

      At stake is a diverse and extensive collection of cars. During a visit in early 2025, Freiburger noted numerous '60s classics, several retired work vehicles with distinctive hand-painted lettering, as well as rare items like a 1972 AMC Matador fastback, an International slant-four engine (essentially half a V8), and a Checker Aerobus, an eight-door wagon designed for airport shuttling before E-Series buses emerged. The crucial aspect is that no one was injured, but hopefully, some of these vehicles managed to survive the blaze as well.