IDL tracks and monitors news coverage of our activities and significant events that may impact our operations, recapping the coverage in this newsletter.
This publication also details IDL's social media posts for the week, keeping stakeholders and our front-line customer service staff apprised of our public-facing communications.
State of Idaho Ramping up Wildfire Investigations; 2 Suspected Arsonists Recently Arrested
BOISE - The Idaho Department of Lands collaboration with the Idaho State Fire Marshall’s Office and other law enforcement on alleged arson fires has recently resulted in two arrests with another pending.
Last week, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Priest River man accused of multiple counts of arson. Earlier last month the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Challis man for arson on the Quinn Fire. An arrest is pending on two other wildfires under IDL protection.
So far this year, The Idaho Department of Lands has investigated 226 wildfires, and of those, 102 are under investigation as human caused.
GRANGEVILLE — Orogrande residents were immediately evacuated to safety Wednesday evening after Red Flag weather conditions on the Williams Creek Fire turned “squirrelly and erratic,” according to a news release from the fire command center.
The fire made a 3- to 4-miles push from the west side of Orogrande under the influence of strong, gusty winds, prompting the incident commander of the fire to order the Level 3 “Go” evacuations for safety reasons.
The Jones Creek Fire about 21 miles from Riggins is about 4,000 acres burning primarily in grass. This fire is burning on areas within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management and is a full suppression fire with the protection of lives and property as the primary objectives. A Type 2 Incident Management Team was briefed Wednesday to take command of the incident.
Personnel on this fire so far include six Salmon River Ranger District personnel and eight Grangeville smokejumpers. Big Canyon Road will be closed at Pittsburg Landing until further notice. The Pittsburg Landing campground and Deer Creek Road remain open at this time.
Firefighters keep Prospect Fire in check, now 5% contained
KLEW, 9-7-22
Prospect Fire September 7 (IDL photo)
Work continues near Harvard where the Prospect Fire has been burning in Latah County.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the 286 acre wildfire was 5 percent contained as of Wednesday morning, September 7, 2022.
IDL will be up against critical fire weather conditions with Red Flag warnings today.
This will impact the intensity of the fire and the rate of spread, officials said. Firefighting efforts will continue to be aggressive and direct when safe to do so.
Wildfire near Harvard continues to burn; 0% contained Tuesday
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 9-7-22
HARVARD — A wildfire located near Harvard was estimated at 250 acres as of Tuesday morning, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
The Prospect Fire is 0% contained. It continues to burn on industrial timber land and retardant drops have kept the north edge of the fire from expanding into Forest Service land. Crews used dozers to dig lines along the western edge of the fire and extinguished spot fires.
A firefighter was injured while responding to the fire and taken to the hospital. According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the firefighter is employed by a contracted firefighting company. The status of their injury was not shared.
There were no road or area closures as of Tuesday evening. The Idaho Department of Lands says it will inform the public if this changes.
PRIEST LAKE — The sale of 10 lakefront lots on Priest Lake generated more than $24.5 million during a public auction in mid-August.
The endowment-owned lots were sold for $24,542,000 — about $14,050,000 over the appraised value — for deeded ownership, Idaho Department of Lands officials said.
The auction included one parcel that was purchased at 779% over the appraised value by the lessee for $9.8 million. Of the 10 properties sold, seven had competitive bidding and three had only one bid.
Of the three lots purchased by those without an existing lease, the sites sold for an average of $451,333 over the final appraised land value. Of the seven lots purchased by existing lease-holders, the site sold for an average of $1.814 million over final appraised land value.
The sites ranged in size from a half-acre to just under 1.5 acres. Three of the lots did not have existing dwellings; each of those lots were purchased by non-lessees.
Firefighter working on Prospect Fire transported to local hospital
KHQ, 9-6-22
HAVARD, Idaho - A firefighter working on the Prospect Fire northeast of Moscow has been transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL).
IDL said injuries were beyond what fireline first aid could handle. The firefighter is an employee of a contracted firefighting company and not a federal or state employee.
No other details will be given.
Crews make progress on the Prospect Fire
HARVARD, Idaho – Crews made progress on the Prospect Fire on Monday, according to the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL). The fire is burning northeast of Moscow, near Harvard, Idaho.
The fire is now estimated at 250 acres and 0% containment. IDL says crews retardant drops successfully kept the northern edge of the fire perimeter from expanding, and dozer operators have completed a mechanical line.
IDL also said firefighters have seen success battling the fire as moves from areas where it burns old logging slash (debris left behind from logging) and into standing timber.
Firefighter Taken to Local Hospital After Being Injured While Working Prospect Fire Northeast of Potlatch, ID
Big Country News, 9-6-22
POTLATCH, ID - According to the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), a firefighter working on the Prospect Fire northeast of Potlatch, ID was injured and had to be taken to a local hospital for treatment. The IDL says the firefighter is an employee of a contracted firefighting company, and not a federal or state employee.
Incident management officials are not able to comment any further as to details of the injury or status of the individual due to HIPA privacy laws and employment contracts. However, the IDL did state the injuries were "beyond what fireline first aid could handle."
As of Tuesday morning at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Prospect Fire is estimated at 250 acres in size with zero percent containment. The fire continues to burn exclusively on industrial timber land.
The Idaho Department of Lands says the fire is burning near the junction of Meadow Creek and Prospect Creek, northeast of Potlatch, ID.
North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team Takes Command Of Prospect Fire
DailyFly, 9-22
HARVARD– Today at 6:00 a.m., the North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team 2 (NI IMT 2) assumed command of the Prospect Fire. Idaho Department of Lands resources were able to locate and determine the cause of the fire to be a single tree lighting strike from the storm that passed through the area late Saturday night.
The fire is estimated to be 200 acres, and at this time, is zero percent contained. The fire is burning in the industrial timber land in an area where a completed forest operation had occurred, and heavy logging slash was collected and waiting for the fall burning season in accordance with Idaho’s Forest Practices Act.
The fire grew yesterday as slash piles and heavy fuels continued to ignite. The intensity of the burning did not allow for direct ground engagement by fire crews, however, fixed-wing aviation resources were very successful in providing support to ground forces with both retardant and water drops. This allowed firefighters to begin construction of mechanical lines with heavy equipment and scout opportunities for direct engagement of the fire. Fire crews remained on scene throughout the night to monitor the fire’s behavior and take action as necessary.
Lightning-caused wildfire in Latah County estimated at 200 acres
KLEW, 9-5-22
Officials with the Idaho Department of Lands said a single lightning strike on a tree sparked a wildfire named the Prospect Fire.
As of Monday, September 5, 2022, the wildfire is estimated to be about 200 acres and zero percent contained.
The fire started Saturday, September 3, from the storm that passed through the area late that afternoon.
The fire is burning on industrial timber land in an area where a completed forest operation had occurred, and heavy logging slash was collected and waiting for the fall burning season in accordance with Idaho’s Forest Practices Act.
HARVARD, Idaho - Crews made progress on the Prospect Fire on Monday, according to the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL). The fire is burning northeast of Moscow, near Harvard, Idaho.
The fire is now estimated at 250 acres and 0% containment. IDL says crews retardant drops successfully kept the northern edge of the fire perimeter from expanding, and dozer operators have completed a mechanical line.
IDL also said firefighters have seen success battling the fire as moves from areas where it burns old logging slash (debris left behind from logging) and into standing timber.
SANDPOINT — The Idaho Department of Lands has closed burning ahead of a statewide fire weather warning.
North Idaho and eastern Washington are under red flag warnings throughout the Labor Day weekend, with high heat and increased wind speeds predicted.
"These conditions cover the entire Northwest, including Idaho, Sharla Arledge, IDL public information officer, said in a press release. "We have been expecting the hot and dry conditions to persist, but this new development adds unstable atmosphere as a major concern. This could mean high-base thunder cells forming when thunderstorms are not forecast."
Arledge said IDL and U.S. Forest Service crews are seeing new fire starts and increased activity and "aggressive burning" in existing fires.
Prospect Fire Burning Northeast of Moscow Grows to 250 Acres, no Containment
Big Country News, 9-5-22
**Fire Update (9/6/22) at 8:00 a.m.**
MOSCOW - According to a Tuesday morning update from officials, the Prospect Fire is now estimated at 250 acres with zero percent containment. The fire continues to burn exclusively on industrial timber land. The Idaho Department of Lands says the fire is burning near the junction of Meadow Creek and Prospect Creek, northeast of Moscow.
Officials say retardant drops have successfully kept the northern edge of the fire perimeter from expanding into Forest Service ownership. Dozer operators completed mechanical line along the western edge as ground crews tracked down and extinguished spot fires created by strong westerly winds. The fire continues to back down the Prospect Creek drainage toward the fire scar of the 2019 Prospect Fire.
On Tuesday fire crews will work to complete indirect fire lines around the fire perimeter, say officials. These indirect firelines are often referred to as “the big box.” As firefighter and public safety are always the number one priority when determining fire suppression strategies, this tactic allows for the removal of fuels ahead of the fire’s advancement while providing for the safety of the crew.
Department Of Lands Warns Of Increased Fire Dangers This Weekend
DailyFly, 9-3-22
BOISE – The Idaho Department of Lands has become increasingly aware of significant fire weather potential migrating towards Idaho from the west over the next 2 to 3 days. This was largely absent from forecasts until Thursday (9/1).
Red flag warnings are in effect for eastern WA and northern Idaho. Fire WX watch is in place for most of the central ID area. Also, it is important to note the Hot, Dry, Windy Index. This index shows significant burning conditions over the next several days.
The following conditions are predicted: high temps, very unstable atmosphere, and windy (but not extreme wind events). These conditions cover the entire Northwest, including Idaho. We have been expecting the hot and dry conditions to persist, but this new development adds unstable atmosphere as a major concern. This could mean high-base thunder cells forming when thunderstorms are not forecast.
Prescribed Field Burning Possible Today, Expanded Pre-Evacuation Notifications
Bonners Ferry Herald, 9-3-22
BOUNDARY COUNTY — County residents may see several fields being burned today by private landowners on the east side of the Kootenai River.
These field burns have been coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands as a preemptive measure to reduce available fuels which reduces the likelihood of spot fires in the river valley caused by airborne embers from fires to the west, which are now known collectively as the Kootenai River Complex, Andrew O'Neel Director, Office of Emergency Management/PIO said in a press release.
“The field burns will not be started until the current temperature inversion lifts, so as not to further degrade air quality by adding to the trapped smoke,” he said.
The southward expansion of the Scotch Fire Sept. 2 has prompted the notification of about a dozen more homes on Westside Road to be in the “Set” stage of evacuation preparation.
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Given high temperatures and dry conditions, most of Idaho faces Very High fire danger. When heading out to camp and recreate in Idaho’s great outdoors, it’s important to know the fire risks, and to be prepared to be safe.
Both the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) hope this important message resonates with park visitors from Idaho and elsewhere.
To help reduce the risk of human caused wildfires starting in Idaho’s forests and state parks the agencies launched a new, an easy-to-use online fire restrictions finder tailored to Idaho’s state parks.
“We welcome visitors to the Gem State and want all to know that preventing human-caused wildfires is a top priority for Idaho and everyone’s responsibility,” Governor Brad Little said.
A red flag warning has been issued until 9 p.m. today for much of southeastern Washington and north central Idaho, according to the National Weather Service.
According to a Friday news release, the Idaho Department of Lands “has become increasingly aware of significant fire weather potential migrating towards Idaho from the west over the next three to four days. This was largely absent until (Thursday). Red flag warnings are in effect for eastern Washington and northern Idaho.”
Fire warnings are in place for most of central Idaho, the news release said.
The National Weather Service predicts high temperatures, unstable atmosphere and strong but not extreme winds throughout the Northwest.
Idaho Department of Lands issues weather warning for Labor Day Weekend
KOZE, 9-2-22
The Idaho Department of Lands is warning of significant fire weather with the potential to migrate into Idaho from the west over the next three to four days.
Red flag warnings are in effect for north Idaho and eastern Washington, and a fire weather watch is in place for most of the central and north central Idaho areas.
Officials also note the Hot, Dry, Wind Index is showing the potential for significant burning conditions over the next several days.
If you're camping in Idaho, be careful with your campfire this weekend, experts say
Idaho Press, 9-2-22
BOISE — With hot temperatures forecasted and the state experiencing elevated fire danger, experts are urging recreationists to take extra caution with campfires during the long holiday weekend.
“Because of the tinder-dry conditions of Idaho’s forests and rangelands after two straight months of hot, above-normal temperatures in July and August, it should be abundantly clear to everyone that it’s imperative to be careful with your campfires over Labor Day weekend,” said Steve Stuebner, state coordinator of the Recreate Responsibly Idaho campaign, in a press release from that organization.
Be extra careful with campfires over Labor Day weekend
KIFI, 9-2-22
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Hot weather, tinder-dry conditions and recreationists flocking to the Idaho outdoors in potentially record-breaking numbers means Responsible Recreation is even more critical for everyone heading out for the last big camping outing of the summer over the Labor Day holiday weekend, officials said.
Wildfire risk is high to extreme statewide. All it takes is just one mistake to ignite a potentially catastrophic wildfire. Large numbers of people heading outdoors also increases the chances for garbage left behind, damage to lands by authorized and unauthorized uses, and crowds at facilities.
Recreate Responsibly Idaho (RRI) partners have worked throughout the summer to inform and remind recreationists statewide about best practices when it comes to putting out campfires, fire safety in general, ATV, UTV and Off-Highway vehicle use, proper etiquette at boat ramps, water and lifejacket safety, minding your wake on lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
We're hiring a full-time Administrative Assistant 1 to work at our Kootenai Valley Forest Protective District office in Bonners Ferry. IDL is a great place to work!
