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VIDEO: One hail of a storm
Shoshone News Press, 8-25-22
We are all sinners in the hands of an angry God… or at least that was the scene in Wallace on Thursday afternoon when the second great flood was upon us.
But seriously, that was some wild weather.
Just after noon on Thursday, the skies over the Silver Valley began to darken and it became clear that a storm was a brewin’.
The National Weather Service had previously issued a Flood Watch for Shoshone County earlier in the week, so the sudden jolt of precipitation and lightning wasn’t a total shock, but the speed in which the weather system came and went was a bit.
As far as the lightning was concerned, Idaho Department of Lands- Cataldo Fair Warden Chris Myers said that while it’s still too early to tell, there were no immediate confirmed reports of new wildfires within the county.
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Civilian Drone Delays Firefighting Efforts at North Idaho Fire
Big Country News, 8-24-22
MOYIE SPRINGS, ID - Firefighters on the ground battling the Moyie Fire had to wait on aircraft support because a civilian drone was being flown in the area, according to the Idaho Department of Lands. The fire started August 21 just southeast of the Idaho Forest Group Mill in Moyie Springs.
Crews from the Idaho Department of Lands led the response with assistance from local firefighters, but aircraft ordered for the fire could not immediately fly because of the drone. Flying civilian drones near an emergency scene is against the law and interferes with firefighting aircraft, works against the firefighters on the scene, and creates a serious safety issue, say officials.
“The residents of approximately 50 Moyie Springs homes living near the mill were notified of the fire and the potential need for evacuation,” said Josh Harvey, IDL Fire Bureau Chief. “Clearly, we needed to get air support for the firefighting effort as soon as possible and the drone use put that on hold. Unfortunately this type of situation is not uncommon. We are reminding the public that drones can put firefighters, homes, and resources at risk.”
After the drone was gone, multiple firefighting aircraft went to work attacking the fire repeatedly while ground crews constructed a fire control line using hand tools. The fire was kept to 3 acres.
Civilian use of drone delays firefighting efforts in North Idaho
Wildfire Today, 8-24-22
Firefighters on the ground battling the Moyie Fire had to wait on aircraft support because a civilian drone was being flown in the area August 21 near Moyie Springs.
Aircraft ordered for the fire could not immediately fly because of the drone.
“The residents of approximately 50 homes in Moyie Springs were notified of the fire and the potential need for evacuation,” said Josh Harvey, Idaho Department of Lands Fire Bureau Chief. “Clearly, we needed to get air support for the firefighting effort as soon as possible and the drone put that on hold. Unfortunately this type of situation is not uncommon. We are reminding the public that drones can put firefighters, homes, and resources at risk.”
After the drone was gone, multiple firefighting aircraft went to work attacking the fire repeatedly while ground crews constructed a fire control line using hand tools. The fire was kept to three acres.
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Signal fire sets wildfire, Challis man charged with arson
Idaho County Free Press, 8-24-22
A wildfire that has consumed more than 450 acres in the Joesph Plains area was intentionally set, and a Challis man has been arrested on multiple charges in connection.
Anthony L. Morreale, 41, was arraigned in magistrate court last week on charges of third-degree arson, a felony, and four misdemeanors: violation of forestry closed season requirement, trespass with property damage in excess of $1,000, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. As of press time, Morreale was held on $20,000 bond pending a Sept. 1 preliminary hearing.
Charges resulted following investigation last Tuesday, Aug. 16, of a suspicious male in the Wolf Creek area where Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) firefighters had been dispatched to fight a wildfire.
According to court documents, firefighters heard someone calling for help and encountered Morreale next to two scorched wood logs by him and no indication of fire around the logs, a location approximately 200 yards from where the wildfire met the road. According to firefighter statements and an interview by Idaho County Deputy Colton Cervantes, Morreale stated he had been in the area several days, chased there by a group of guys or a street gang, and his vehicle ran out of gas. Morreale reported starting a campfire to get someone’s attention, had fallen asleep by Wolf Creek and then woke up to the sound of helicopters. He denied starting the large fire on the property, and said he used lighters on him to start the smaller fire he was found next to.
Morreale was reported in possession of two lighters at the time of arrest, along with a dab pen of 21% THC he stated he had been using for a while.
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Eneas Peak Fire sees growth
Bonner County Daily Bee 8-23-22
In the past 24 hours, the Eneas Peak Fire has grown by 164 acres with the latest mapping show the fire has burned 763 acres since it was sparked by a lightning strike on Aug. 13.
However, the fire is “moving favorably to the west and is holding steady on the northern ridge,” U.S. Forest Service officials said in a Monday press release.
In addition to the mapping and recon flights, Forest Service officials said a Type 1 helicopter was borrowed by a nearby Idaho Department of Lands fire to drop water on the northeastern edge of the fire late Sunday.
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Tammany Creek Road fire is 80% contained
KLEW, 8-23-22
A fire first reported on August 21 on Tammany Creek Road is now 80 percent contained, according to an update provided by the Idaho Department of Lands.
The #TammanyCreekFire was about 50 acres as of Monday morning.
Overnight rains helped substantially in addition to the quick response of the crews, officials reported.
Currently, there are three engines and a hand crew moving forward with mop-up operations.
Tammany Creek Road wildland fire almost out
Lewiston Tribune, 8-23-22
A 50-acre wildland fire on Tammany Creek Road south of Lewiston was in the mop-up stages Monday afternoon, the Idaho Department of Lands reported.
The fire, which was first reported Sunday at 5 p.m., was considered 80% contained Monday with 30 personnel on-site. Overnight rains and a quick response by firefighters helped the crews get the upper hand on the blaze. Three engines and a hand crew were working on mop-up operations, the department reported.
The 60-acre Graves Creek Fire located between Graves Creek and Gill Point west of Grangeville, was considered 99% contained as of Monday afternoon. Rains also helped slow that fire. A fire crew is on patrol status and doing mop-up operations as hot spots are discovered. The fire was first reported Saturday at 9:24 p.m.
Anyone wishing more information about the fires may visit the department’s webpage at idl.idaho.gov/fire.
*UPDATED* Overnight Rain Helps Fire Crews Reach 99% Containment of Graves Creek Fire in Idaho County
Big Country News, 8-22-22
*FIRE UPDATE (8/22/22)*
As of 12:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, the Graves Creek Fire, located between Graves Creek and Gill Point just west of Grangeville, is considered 99% contained.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, overnight rain helped crews substantially with gaining control of the fire, which was just 50% contained less than 24 hours ago.
The fire, which was first reported Saturday evening, remains at approximately 60 acres in size.
Agencies Respond To Saturday Evening Wildfire East Of Graves Creek Road
DailyFly, 8-21-22
IDAHO COUNTY – On Saturday evening, at approximately 6:19 p.m., the Idaho County Dispatch received multiple 911s in the area of Graves Creek Road. A deputy was advised and was responding to the area from Grangeville.
After speaking with an individual who lives in the area, it was discovered that there was a fire on the East side of Graves Creek heading towards Steel Creek. The individual stated the fire was already about two acres and growing fast.
The Idaho County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Idaho Department of Lands. IDL was aware and had two engines and a helicopter responding.
The Idaho County Deputy on scene requested assistance from fellow deputies as well as the Cottonwood Police Department.
IDL advised residents in the area that they need to be prepared to evacuate. No structures were involved; however, multiple acres of land have been affected.
This is an active fire and updates will be provided when more information is available.
Idaho Department of Lands sells 10 Priest Lake lots for $24.6 million
Idaho Capital Sun, 8-21-22
The Idaho Department of Lands announced on Aug. 16 that the state sold 10 endowment-owned lakefront lots on the shores of Priest Lake for almost $24.6 million during a public auction that allowed for remote bidding, according to a Department of Lands press release.
The price of the lots added up to $14 million over the appraised value. One parcel was purchased for $9.8 million, which is 779% over the appraised value, according to the press release. Three of the properties had one bid while the others were competitive, which resulted in a 134% overall increase above the appraised value of the seven competitive bidding lots.
In 2018, the Department of Lands sold 51 state-owned lakefront lots for $25.6 million, which was $625,500 over the appraised value, according to a 2018 Department of Lands press release.
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*UPDATED* 450-Acre Quinn Fire in Idaho County Now 99% Contained
Big Country News, 8-21-22
**FIRE UPDATE (8/21/22)
As of 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the Quinn Fire is considered 99% contained, according to the Idaho Department of Lands. The 450-acre fire is located on the breaks of Wolf Creek in the Joseph Plains area of Idaho County.
Nearly 100 fire personnel remain on-site performing mop-up duties. Resources on scene continue to decrease as the de-mobilization process continues.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire will be 100% contained by the end of the day Sunday.
The man who is believed to have started the fire, 41-year-old Anthony Morreale, of Challis, ID, has been arrested and charged with arson.
Crews gaining upper hand on fires in Idaho County
Lewiston Tribune, 8-21-22
Idaho Department of Lands firefighters made progress Sunday on two fires in Idaho County.
The Quinn Fire that started Tuesday is considered 99% contained as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday and expected to be 100% contained by the end of the day, according to Mick Thomas, fire information officer for the department.
The fire, located on the breaks of Wolf Creek in the Joseph Plains area south of Cottonwood, has burned 450 acres. The 100 personnel still assigned to the fire were in the mop up stages Sunday, Thomas said.
The Graves Creek Fire that was first reported about 9:30 p.m. Saturday is 50% contained and has burned 60 acres. It is located between Graves Creek and Gill Point, west of Grangeville.
Fire crews made an initial attack Saturday night with aviation and ground crews. Progress was successful and mop up operations began Sunday afternoon.
60 Acre Graves Creek Fire Located West of Grangeville Considered 50% Contained
Big Country News, 8-21-22
GRANGEVILLE - On the evening of Saturday, August 20, fire units responded to a new start wildfire between Graves Creeks and Gill Point, just west of Grangeville in Idaho County.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, initial attack on the fire Saturday night proved successful and crews have largely gained control of the blaze.
As of 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the Graves Creek Fire was estimated to be 60 acres in size and is considered 50% contained. No structures were involved.
A total of 30 fire personnel remain on scene, but that number is decreasing as containment grows. An update from the IDL stated that operations are going well and mop up has been initiated.
The fire was first reported to Idaho County Dispatch around 6:19 p.m. Saturday evening.
Fire crews battling wildfire burning toward homes in Moyie Springs
KXLY, 8-21-22
MOYIE SPRINGS, ID. — The Idaho Department of Lands and local firefighters are battling a wildfire that is burning southeast of the Idaho Forest Group Mill in Moyie Springs.
The fire started near Moyie River and is burning toward a mill and nearby homes. As of now, the fire is about two to three acres.
Around 50 homes living near the fire have been notified, with the potential need to evacuate if it continues to move towards the neighborhood. If evacuations are needed, local authorities will let them know.
Multiple aircraft are fighting the fire along with ground crews working to construct a fire control line with hand tools.
Boundary County Emergency Management is asking people to stay clear of the area and be aware of the aircraft flying around the IFG mill.
Fire crews fighting Moyie Fire burning near mill, homes in Boundary County
KREM, 8-21-22
BOUNDARY COUNTY, Idaho — Fire crews are fighting a wildland fire burning near Moyie Springs in Boundary County Sunday afternoon.
According to Boundary County Emergency Management’s public information officer Andrew O’Neel, the fire started around 12:30 p.m. near the Moyie River and quickly moved uphill towards the Idaho Forest Group Mill.
At this time, the fire is about two to three acres in size.
The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office has notified about 50 houses in a neighborhood north of the mill about the possibility of evacuation.
Responding agencies include crews from the Idaho Department of Lands, Moyie Springs Fire District, and North Bench Fire District.
According to officials, the fire’s being fought by both ground crews and five aircraft, which have been used to dump water on the flames.
While the fire has been knocked quite a bit, O’Neel said the aircraft were delayed because of a drone being flown in the area. Emergency crews are requesting people to not fly their drones during this fire.
At this time, the fire is expected to be knocked down in the next couple of hours.
OPINION: Land Board should consider restrictive covenants on sales
Lewiston Tribune, 8-21-22
Last week, my husband and I spent a few vacation days at Priest Lake. It is a special place for me. As soon as I drive out of the traffic in Coeur d’Alene, I feel like I am home, even though I haven’t lived in that part of northern Idaho since high school.
Yet, there is something magic about the mountains and waters of Idaho that bring peace and relaxation to my soul. Our campground at Beaver Creek was a shady wonder. Each morning, as I lay snuggled up in my camper, I could hear the pleadings from the group of cyclists, all under the tender age of 10, as they waited anxiously to make their morning rounds, which was usually around 8 a.m. when their parents turned them loose.
Those sounds quickly took me back through the years, the sounds of children laughing, chipmunks in the trees, the game was the same, only my children were playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and these children were playing out the latest “Star Wars” plot, but always someone was yelling that big brother was not waiting.
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Quinn Fire in Idaho County at 450 acres and 70% contained
KLEW, 8-21-22
The Quinn Fire burning at Breaks of Wolf Creek in the Joseph Plains Area in Idaho County is 450 acres and 70 percent contained, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
This fire began on August 16. The cause is not known at this time.
This means there is a very low potential for an existing fire to become large or exhibit erratic fire behavior.
Resources on the fire remain at 150 personnel including four type 2 initial attack crews, one dozer, and four engines. There are no longer air resources engaged.
Cooperating agencies include IDL, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management.
Additional information on the Quinn Fire will be posted as it becomes available on the IDL webpage.
Wildfire near Graves Creek Road in Idaho County
KLEW, 8-21-22
Idaho County Dispatch received multiple 911 calls from the area of Graves Creed Road on Saturday around 6:19 p.m.
According to a press release sent to KLEW, an Idaho County Deputy responded to the area from Grangeville.
ICSO contacted the Idaho Department of Lands who stated they were aware of the fire and had two engines and a helicopter responding.
The Idaho County Deputy on scene requested assistance from fellow deputies as well as the Cottonwood Police Department.
IDL then advised them to start notifying residents in the area that they need to be prepared to evacuate.
No structures were involved. Officials said multiple acres of land have been burned.
This is an active fire and updates will be provided when more information is available.
Fire wardens limit number of burn permits as Idaho faces dangerous fire conditions...
Idaho Press, 8-21-22
Rising temperatures over the past few weeks have placed all of Idaho in high or very high fire danger conditions, according to the Idaho Department of Lands, writes Idaho Capital Sun reporter Anteia McCollum. Now, fire wardens across the state are limiting state burn permits through the department, which are being issued until Oct. 20 this year, the department announced.
Burn permits are required for people living outside city limits to use burn barrels and to burn yard waste or piles of debris from timber. Fire danger conditions, weather, smoke levels and air quality are taken into account during the permit process. Most permits are being limited to crop residue burning, according to IDL. You can read McCollum's full story here at idahocapitalsun.com, or look for it in Thursday's print edition of the Idaho Press.
Sharable Social Media Posts
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No Drones
Posted August 22, 2022
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Help keep our firefighters safe! Please don't fly drones anywhere near wildfires as our fire planes and helicopters cannot fly when a drone is in the air. Drones can put firefighters, homes and resources at risk!
Timber Sale
Posted August 24, 2022
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We harvest and plant trees to support Idaho’s public schools and other beneficiaries. Learn more about the Fall East Ton timber sale at https://loom.ly/6BYMOyE
Sign up to receive text or email notifications about our upcoming timber sales: https://loom.ly/RAKIwcw
• Auction Date: 10:00 AM local time, 10/18/2022
• Auction Location: IDL office, McCall, ID
• Net Acres: 390.00
• Total Sale Volume: 5,205,000 Board Feet
• Total Sale Volume Ton: 29,459
We're Hiring
Posted August 23, 2022
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Are you looking for a great job with a fantastic state agency? We're hiring a subject matter expert on mining regulatory programs for our Boise office. The starting rate for the Lands Program Manager - Minerals position is $32.88 per hour. We offer great benefits, too!
Apply now: https://loom.ly/hiArM7k
Learn more about working at IDL: https://loom.ly/t3IRS4M
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