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State wins lawsuit to recover further damages from man who started Sharps Fire
Idaho Mountain Express, 8-5-22
More than three years after a local man ignited a wildfire that charred nearly 65,000 acres from Carey to the slopes of Swede Peak in the Sawtooth National Forest, the state has won a civil lawsuit seeking additional financial compensation for economic damages and firefighting and land-restoration costs incurred by the fire.
Ryan Jensen, 38—currently of Hailey—was ordered in June 2020 to spend five days in jail, perform 400 hours of community service and pay restitution totaling $303,300 for a conviction of firing timber or prairie lands, a misdemeanor.
His sentence was the outcome of a restorative justice conference called by Fifth District Magistrate Judge Jennifer Haemmerle to help private landowners and agencies directly impacted by the fire’s destruction recoup their losses.
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Idaho’s lumber industry is more consolidated than ever, and making billions in sales
Idaho Capital Sun, 8-4-22
In Idaho’s nearly 150 years of history with the lumber industry, the trade has transformed from a wide scattering of communities built and centered around logging and mills, to the more consolidated forestry seen today.
After the forests around the Great Lakes were depleted in the early 1900s, there were two places for the timber industry to turn for materials needed for a swiftly growing America: the South and the Pacific Northwest.
The then-and-now of Idaho’s forest products
Rathdrum, Sandpoint, Kootenai and other towns in North Idaho were founded with logging in mind because of the massive amount of lumber available in the expansive old-growth forests.
The first sawmill in North Idaho was built in 1878 by the U.S. Army, near the Spokane River at what is now Fort Sherman, according to the Museum of North Idaho.
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Kamiah IDL staff part of statewide fire deployment
Clearwater Progress, 8-4-22
Area firefighting staff are part of more than 200 Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and timber protective association employees deployed on fires across the west. Personnel have been deployed to help New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Alaska, California, Washington, Arizona, Montana and Wyoming. Firefighters have also been sent to help the Forest Service and Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho.
From the IDL Maggie Creek office in Kamiah, eight persons total have been deployed: a five-man crew to Montana, and an engine and personnel to assist the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (C-PTPA) which protects nearly a million acres of private, state and federal land and by contract with IDL.
“Deploying our firefighters does two things. Our firefighters, especially new firefighters, have gained experience and training and are ready for our local fire season,” said state forester Craig Foss. “It also shows our western partners our commitment to help when they are in need so that they reciprocate in our time of need.”
IDL pays the wages and expenses for staff, helitak and local firefighters while on off-district assignments. Those wages and expenses are later reimbursed by the jurisdictions and federal government agency responsible for the wildfire protection.
Late morning accident shuts down I-90
Shoshone News-Press, 8-4-22
One person was killed and another seriously injured following a head-on collision late Thursday morning on an already congested area of Interstate 90 near Mullan.
Multiple official sources tell the News-Press that reports came in just after 11 a.m., stating that a semi-truck was on fire and blocking I-90 between Wallace and Mullan near milepost 64, where all of the traffic has been reduced to single lanes on the eastbound side of the highway due to construction.
As emergency medical crews, law enforcement and other emergency personnel were arriving at the scene, they discovered that the incident was a head-on collision between the burning semi and a passenger vehicle.
In the meantime, the fire — which was caused by the semi’s diesel fuel — had spread to the nearby hillside resulting in a small .33-acre fire. Crews from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) quickly responded to the scene and as of 12:30 p.m., the fire had been contained and crews were in mop-up stages of getting it completely extinguished.
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North Idaho wildfire scorches over 70 acres
Idaho State Journal, 8-4-22
A fire that started in a barn Sunday night burned 76 acres of the Lewiston Hill and was considered 100 percent contained Wednesday afternoon, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
What is being called the Hatwai Fire started in some hay in a barn along 38th Street North, then spread to the hillside at about 11 p.m. Sunday, according to a news release from the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office. Crews from Nez Perce County Fire, Nez Perce Tribe Fire Management and the Idaho Department of Lands responded.
The fire threatened 10 to 20 homes, according to the Idaho Department of Lands, but no homes were lost. By Monday morning, two to five homes remained threatened. No evacuation was ordered.
Tammany Creek Road fire and a thank you to volunteers from county officials
KLEW, 8-3-22
"With the wind conditions yesterday afternoon, it was a perfect firestorm, the fire weather, the hot and dry conditions, and then the hot, dry wind that was with it, " Nez Perce County Sheriff Bryce Scrimsher said.
Sheriff Bryce Scrimsher was one of several officials at the fire scene Tuesday evening.
But he's speaking out, wanting to shine a light on how people quickly come together during wildfire emergencies. Not only here but in surrounding communities.
"Yeah, and that's what I really want to talk about. How thankful we are for neighbors that show up on these fires, friends, relatives," Sheriff Scrimsher said.
This was the scene off Tammany creek road near Rosenkrantz road.
Multiple people sent their videos to KLEW News.
Just moments after it broke out, the fire moved fast in these red flag conditions.
A helicopter from the Idaho Department of Lands attacked the fire from the air as fire crews from various local departments battled on the ground.
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REMOTE AUCTION: State inviting outsiders in (opinion)
Coeur d'Alene Press, 8-3-22
Although it appears the properties are not huge, China is delighted to see that Idaho officials will allow remote bidding for state lands.
KAREN MILACEK
Post Falls
Moscow gets chance to party with police
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 8-3-22
National Night Out in Moscow saw packed streets, live music, free hot dogs and yard games for all ages.
Stretched out along downtown Main Street, attendees could see inside cop cars, meet the station’s K-9 dog, Ragnar, and meet other first responders. Children in attendance could play a jumbo-sized game of Connect Four, launch fish into a penguin’s basket and play on a large bouncy slide. Music was provided by local band The Intentions.
Children got the chance to turn on the police car lights, run the sirens and even try their hand at speaking on the loudspeakers in the car.
“Just seeing the community coming together, and seeing families out is great,” Chief James Fry said.
Tuesday’s turnout was the largest she had seen, said Karen Potter of the Moscow Police Department, and by 7:30 p.m., almost 550 hot dogs had been cooked. The event also included booths from Idaho Department of Lands firefighters, Idaho Central Credit Union, Moscow Volunteer Fire Department and Gritman Medical Center.
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Fire Held In Current Footprint, 50% Contained
DailyFly, 8-2-22
LEWISTON – After updated mapping, the Hatwai Fire near Lewiston is 76 acres. This is a change from the original report of 50-60 acres but is not the result of fire growth. The fire was kept within its perimeter today and is 50% contained.
IDL Fire’s own Teakean Hand Crew arrived today and extinguished smoldering heavy fuels and did close checks for fire heat at the black edge of the burned fire area. A structure and outbuilding are still threatened by the fire. Predicted weather of hot, dry, and windy conditions continues to be of concern. The fire cause is still under investigation.
More on the Hatwai Fire: The fire was reported just before midnight July 31, 2022 near Lewiston, Idaho. It originally threatened 10-20 homes, but no structures were lost. No evacuations were issued.
The fire is at the bottom of the Lewiston Grade in grass and brush. This is land protected by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Fire and is in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI).
In addition to the Teakean Hand Crew, since the start of the fire 4 IDL Fire engines, a Nez Perce Tribe Fire Management engine, and the Nez Perce County Rural Fire Department assisted in the quick response to the fire.
Hatwai Fire is 50% contained as of Monday evening
KLEW, 8-2-22
Idaho Department of Lands officials said the Hatwai Fire in Lewiston is 76 acres as of Monday evening.
The change is from the original report of 50 to 60 acres and is not the result of fire growth, officials said in a press release.
Fire crews kept the fire within its perimeter and was at 50% containment.
IDL Fire’s own Teakean Hand Crew arrived Monday and extinguished smoldering heavy fuels and did close checks for fire heat at the black edge of the burned fire area.
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Wildfire scorches portion of Lewiston Hill
Lewiston Tribune, 8-2-22
A fire that started in a barn Sunday night burned 76 acres of the Lewiston Hill and was considered 50% contained Monday evening, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
What is being called the Hatwai Fire started in some hay in a barn along 38th Street North, then spread to the hillside at about 11 p.m. Sunday, according to a news release from the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office. Crews from Nez Perce County Fire, Nez Perce Tribe Fire Management and the Idaho Department of Lands responded.
The fire threatened 10 to 20 homes, according to the Idaho Department of Lands, but no homes were lost. By Monday morning, two to five homes remained threatened. No evacuation was ordered.
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New video: Hatwai Fire update for Monday August 1
KLEW, 8-1-22
The Idaho Department of Lands issued an update Monday morning to the Hatwai Fire, which was first reported just before midnight July 31, 2022.
Video posted on the Nez Perce County Fire Department Facebook page shows the intense flames when it fire ignited.
IDL said in a press release that fire activity today is smoldering and creeping, with the hope that the fire will not move out of the current acreage.
Highway 95 is open but emergency vehicles will be in and around the area today.
The fire is at the bottom of the Lewiston Grade in grass and brush near Lewiston. It continues to be active as of Monday morning.
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Fire on Lewiston Hill burns 60 acres; fire still active but crews have it contained
Lewiston Tribune, 8-1-22
A fire that started in a barn burned a 60-acre area on the Lewiston Hill on Sunday night before being contained by fire crews, according to the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office and Idaho Department of Lands.
What is being called the Hatwai Fire started in some hay in a barn along 38th Street North, then spread to the hillside at about 11 p.m., according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Crews from Nez Perce County Fire, Nez Perce Tribe Fire Management and the Idaho Department of Lands responded.
The fire threatened 10 to 20 homes, according to the Idaho Department of Lands, but no homes were lost. This morning, two to five homes remain threatened. No evacuation has been ordered.
The fire is considered active but contained, according to IDL. The Teakean Hand Crew will arrive today to dig fire line and help prevent the spread of the fire. The cause of the fire will be investigated today, according to IDL.
Fire activity today is expected to be "smoldering and creeping," according to IDL.
The fire is located west of a previous blaze near the Clearwater River Casino that burned 1,200 acres earlier this month.
*UPDATED* Barn Fire Spreads to Hillside Near Bottom of Lewiston Hill
Big Country News, 8-1-22
***STORY UPDATE (6:00 P.M.)***
The Hatwai Fire near Lewiston is estimated at 76 acres in size. This is a change from the original estimate of 50-60 acres, but the increase was not the result of fire growth, but rather more accurate mapping. According to an update from the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire was kept within its perimeter on Monday and is considered 50% contained.
On Monday, the IDL's Teakean Hand Crew arrived and extinguished smoldering heavy fuels. The crew also checked for fire heat at the black edge of the burned fire area.
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Express Fire caused by lightning, officials say
KLEW, 8-1-22
The cause of the Express Fire that started behind the Clearwater River Casino is determined to have been caused by lightning striking a power pole, according to a Facebook post on the Nez Perce Tribe's page by the Nez Perce Tribe Forestry & Fire Management Division.
The fire started Sunday, July 17 at about 11:15 p.m.
The power pole was located at the top of Central Grade. The fire spread quickly downslope to the southeast pushed by strong northwest winds, officials said.
In the end, the fire burned about 1700 acres and two outbuildings.
Fire In Lewiston Monday Morning
DailyFly, 8-1-22
LEWISTON – The Hatwai Fire was reported on 38th St. N. at a barn just before midnight July 31, 2022 near Lewiston, Idaho and continues to be active today, August 1, 2022. It is between 50-60 acres and threatened 10-20 homes, but no structures were lost. Only about 2-5 structures remain threatened this morning. No evacuations were issued.
The fire is at the bottom of the Lewiston Grade in grass and brush. This is land protected by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Fire and is in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI).
IDL Fire’s own Teakean Hand Crew is arriving today to dig fire line and help prevent fire spread. Since the start of the fire 4 IDL Fire engines, a Nez Perce Tribe Fire Management engine, and the Nez Perce County Rural Fire Department assisted in the quick response to the fire. The cause is under investigation and an IDL Fire Investigator is expected at the scene today.
Fire activity today is smoldering and creeping, with the hope that the fire will not move out of the current acreage. But it will be another triple-digit day with low humidity and moderate winds which is a concern.
Highway 95 is open but emergency vehicles will be in and around the area today
Spruce spider mites attack trees near Council
Idaho County Free Press, 7-30-22
Firewood cutters beware when cutting wood in the Council, Idaho area. Trees that may appear dead may not be and should not be cut unless you’re absolutely certain the tree is dead.
Hundreds of acres of healthy Douglas-fir trees on endowment trust land managed by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) have been attacked by spruce spider mites which are part of the spider and tick family. The needles on the trees turn brown and drop off and the tree can become coated with a silky web. Spruce spider mites are most active in the spring and fall, during cooler conditions.
AT&T pursuing revived Redfish cell tower plan, documents show
Idaho Mountain Express, 7-29-22
A plan from telecommunications giant AT&T to build a 195-foot cell tower on a ridge overlooking Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area appears to be moving forward, though not under its originally expressed purpose of improving emergency communications in the area.
The proposed tower would sit on a one-acre parcel managed by the Idaho Department of Lands approximately 10 miles south of Stanley and just west of the Sawtooth Hatchery.
The monopole was first proposed in January 2020 as part of the First Responder Network, or “FirstNet,” a federal platform established by Congress in the wake of 9/11 to strengthen police, fire and emergency medical communications.
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Fire danger high; burn ban in place
Coeur d'Alene Press, 7-29-22
COEUR d'ALENE — The Kootenai County Fire Chiefs and Idaho Department of Lands Mica District have raised the fire danger in Kootenai County to high, effective today.
At this time, yard waste burning and slash piles will no longer be allowed.
The statewide burn permit program will not allow anyone to obtain a burn permit for yard waste burning or hand-piled slash within the Mica district which includes most of Kootenai county.
At this time recreational fires, and propane-fired firepits will still be allowed. Burn barrels may also be allowed if your fire department or district allows them.
"If you have a question about what is allowed, please contact your local fire department," wrote Kootenai County Fire Prevention Co-op President Craig Etherton, in a news release.
The Idaho Department of Lands and the Kootenai County Chiefs will continue to evaluate the conditions in our area; more restrictions may be placed in the near future.
Always attend your fires and have water at the ready while burning. Never leave your fire unattended.
Call 911 if your fire spreads beyond your control immediately.
Kootenai County fire danger raised to high
KXLY, 7-29-22
HAYDEN, Idaho — The fire danger level in Kootenai County has been raised to high as of Friday.
The decision was made by the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs and the Idaho Department of Lands Mica District.
At this time, yard waste burning and slash piles are no longer allowed in the county. However, recreational fires and propane-fired firepits are still allowed. Burn barrels may also be allowed if local fire departments or districts allow them. If you have a question about what is allowed, contact your local fire department.
The IDL and the Kootenai County Chiefs will continue to evaluate the conditions in the area, and more restrictions may be placed in the near future.
If a fire ever spreads beyond your control, dial 911 immediately.
Sharable Social Media Posts
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Timber Sale
Posted August 4, 2022
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We harvest and plant trees to support Idaho’s public schools and other beneficiaries. On 9/8 we’ll sell at auction 7.79 million board feet of timber at our Ponderosa Supervisory Area office. Learn more about the Powder Brush timber sale at https://loom.ly/ID8gNn8
Sign up to receive text or email notifications about our upcoming timber sales: https://loom.ly/RAKIwcw
Fire Danger Signs
Posted August 3, 2022
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 Hatwai Fire
Posted August 1, 2022
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Hatwai Fire Update: Fire held in current footprint, 50% contained
Current as of Monday August 1, 2022, 6 p.m. Pacific Time
View and download today’s Official Fire Information photos: https://loom.ly/5QWAwJY
(Near Lewiston) – After updated mapping, the Hatwai Fire near Lewiston is 76 acres. This is a change from the original report of 50-60 acres but is not the result of fire growth. The fire was kept within its perimeter today and is 50% contained.
IDL Fire’s own Teakean Hand Crew arrived today and extinguished smoldering heavy fuels and did close checks for fire heat at the black edge of the burned fire area. A structure and outbuilding are still threatened by the fire. Predicted weather of hot, dry, and windy conditions continues to be of concern. The fire cause is still under investigation.
More on the Hatwai Fire: The fire was reported just before midnight July 31, 2022 near Lewiston, Idaho. It originally threatened 10-20 homes, but no structures were lost. No evacuations were issued.
The fire is at the bottom of the Lewiston Grade in grass and brush. This is land protected by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Fire and is in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI).
In addition to the Teakean Hand Crew, since the start of the fire 4 IDL Fire engines, a Nez Perce Tribe Fire Management engine, and the Nez Perce County Rural Fire Department assisted in the quick response to the fire.
#IDLfireinfo
News release link: https://loom.ly/Fc7kYqY
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