Wildfire Alert: Parkway Fire – Current as of 11:00 AM PT on 8/5/2023

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 08/05/2023 12:50 PM MDT

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Fire Incident Information - Email Header

Aggressive Air Attack Underway on Parkway Fire, 80 Acres Burned, No Structures Lost

Post Falls, Idaho – This morning an Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Type 3 Incident Management Team lead by incident commander Nate Rogers assumed command of the Parkway Fire. The fire is burning in a steep, heavily timbered area above the Spokane River, near the dam at Post Falls.

Evacuation notices issued yesterday by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office remain in effect. For current evacuation information please visit the Kootenai County Emergency Management website or Facebook page.

Overnight, firefighters held the fire to an estimated 80 acres. It is 0% contained. Although threatened by the fire, no structures were lost.

IDL’s team will utilize a full suppression strategy that includes aggressive attack from the air. Resources deployed today include two helicopters, four engines, three 20-person hand crews and one dozer. Fixed wing aircraft are available and will be utilized if needed.

Road closures in the area have been implemented. Fire officials urge community members to avoid the area if possible and to watch for personnel and equipment on the roads.

Flying unauthorized drones over the wildfire is strictly prohibited. When you fly a drone, aircraft suppressing the fire must be grounded. This puts the lives of firefighters at risk.

The cause of the Parkway Fire is under investigation. If you are a first-hand witness to the fire’s ignition, and have credible information to share with fire investigators, please call 208-666-8697 or email investigation@idl.idaho.gov.

Fire officials are grateful for the assistance and incredible response from local resources, including law enforcement and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Unless conditions change, regular updates about the incident will be published in the morning and the evening.

Find Information About the Parkway Fire

IDL Wildfire Alerts – www.idl.idaho.gov/alerts
IDL Fire News Feed – www.idl.idaho.gov/fire
Kootenai County Emergency Management Website – www.kcsheriff.com/186/Emergency-Management
Kootenai County Emergency Management Facebook - www.facebook.com/kootenaiOEM/
Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Facebook - www.facebook.com/KootenaiCountyFireandRescue/

Incident Contact

Scott Phillips

Public Information Office

208-713-6487

Most wildfires are caused by humans. Be part of the solution – learn how!

· Be aware of and follow all fire restrictions

· During closed burn season, before burning debris apply for a free burn permit – it’s the law

· Use campfires safely by staying clear of flammable debris and burning on mineral soil

· Maintain vehicles and OHVs properly – especially their tires - so you don’t spark a fire

· Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and cause a fire

· Never park over dry grass because hot exhaust systems can start a fire

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For the most current information about wildfires on land protected by the Idaho Department of Lands, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-news-feed/.

Idaho Department of Lands in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, provides fire suppression and prevention on more than 9 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland.

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