8,600 Acre Wildfire Hits Idaho Salvage Yard Home to 8,000 Classic Cars
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A massive wildfire in Idaho has caused significant damage to one of America’s most well-known classic car salvage yards. The fire, known as the Median Fire, swept through parts of Wendell, Idaho, and reached the huge collection of vintage vehicles at L&L Classic Auto.
While no injuries have been reported, early reports suggest the salvage yard suffered major losses.
Wildfire Reaches Historic Idaho Car Yard
L&L Classic Auto is not an ordinary junkyard. The Idaho-based business claims to house more than 8,000 vehicles dating from the 1920s through the 1980s. Most of the cars are used as donor vehicles for restoration projects, making the yard an important source of parts for enthusiasts across the United States.
The salvage yard became threatened when the Median Fire rapidly spread through the area earlier this week.
According to local reports, the wildfire grew to approximately 8,600 acres and was driven by strong winds through dry grass and brush. The fire was first reported around 11:55 a.m. on Wednesday, roughly four miles northwest of Wendell.
As conditions worsened, the fire crossed State Highway 46, the same road where L&L Classic Auto is located.
Damage Appears Severe
Automotive journalist and longtime visitor David Freiburger reported that the fire had reached the salvage yard after receiving information from people on the ground.
A later update confirmed that all staff and individuals at the property were safe. However, the update also indicated that the junkyard suffered a significant impact.
Photographs shared from the scene showed multiple vehicles on fire while thick smoke covered large portions of the property. A complete assessment of the damage has not yet been released because fire crews first need to fully contain and secure the area.
Officials from the Bureau of Land Management stated that the fire’s forward movement had been stopped by late Wednesday, although recovery efforts are expected to continue.
A Collection Unlike Any Other
What makes this loss especially painful for car enthusiasts is the uniqueness of the collection.
Visitors to L&L Classic Auto have described rows of vehicles covering decades of American automotive history. The yard contains everything from classic 1960s cars to retired commercial vehicles featuring original hand-painted company lettering.
Some of the rare and unusual vehicles reportedly found at the yard include:
| Notable Vehicles and Parts | Description |
|---|---|
| 1972 AMC Matador Fastback | Rare American classic coupe |
| Checker Aerobus | Extended eight-door airport shuttle wagon |
| International Slant Four Engine | Unique engine design based on half of a V8 |
| Vintage Work Trucks | Many still carrying original painted graphics |
| Classic Cars (1920s–1980s) | Thousands of restoration and parts vehicles |
Many of these vehicles may have been beyond restoration, but they still played an important role in keeping other classics on the road by providing hard-to-find components.
Why Salvage Yards Matter
Large automotive salvage yards serve as living archives of automotive history. Restoration shops, collectors, and hobbyists often depend on these locations to find original parts that are no longer manufactured.
L&L Classic Auto was particularly valuable because of the size and variety of its inventory. For many enthusiasts, visiting the yard was like walking through a museum of American automotive history.
Full Damage Assessment Still Pending
At the time of writing, the exact number of vehicles destroyed remains unknown. Fire crews and local authorities continue to monitor the situation, and a detailed assessment of the salvage yard is expected once conditions are safe.
The positive news is that no injuries have been reported. However, the automotive community is now waiting to learn how much of the historic collection survived the wildfire.
Sources and References
1. L&L Classic Auto (Official Website)
The official website of the Idaho salvage yard involved in the wildfire. Includes information about its inventory, project cars, and business history.
L&L Classic Auto Official Website
2. L&L Classic Auto Contact & History Page
Provides background on the company, its ownership, location, and history dating back more than 50 years.
L&L Classic Auto History & Contact Information
3. Idaho News 6 (KIVI TV)
Local Idaho news outlet that covered the Median Fire and reported on the damage to the salvage yard.
Idaho News 6 Coverage
4. Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Federal agency responsible for wildfire management and updates on public lands in the region.
Bureau of Land Management Official Website
5. Old Cars Weekly
Automotive publication that previously documented the scale and significance of L&L Classic Auto’s collection.
Old Cars Weekly Feature on L&L Classic Auto
6. The Drive
Automotive news publication that reported on the wildfire and its impact on the 8,000-vehicle collection.
The Drive Wildfire Report
7. L&L Classic Auto Gallery
Official image gallery showing the scale of the salvage yard before the wildfire.
L&L Classic Auto Photo Gallery
