Current News Coverage
Fallen Aerial Firefighter from Brazil Identified in Montana Crash
KMMS, 7-12-24
The aerial firefighter who gave her life fighting a quickly burning fire north of Helena, Montana has now been identified.
Juliana Turchetti has been described as a "great pilot," and one of Brazil's first female ag pilots. She lost her life while fighting the Horse Gulch Fire, which is now estimated at nearly 8,000 acres.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, on Hauser Reservoir near Spokane Bay.
Bill Lavender with Ag Air Update says, "Juliana started her aviation career flying in the corporate world in Brazil. Longing for a more fulfilling career, she started ag flying in a Brazilian Ipanema. From there, she progressed to ferrying Thrush and Air Tractor planes from the US to Brazil. She often wrote about her experiences on those flights. She flew ag in the US, and finally, she landed a seat in a firefighting AT-802F and from there to the Fire Boss."
Navy SEAL veteran, Bridger Aerospace founder, and US Senate candidate Tim Sheehy described Turchetti as a great pilot and says he just ran into her 5 weeks ago in the Denver airport and got to sit down with her for a cup of coffee.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share that Juliana Turchetti, a wildland firefighting pilot, died in a plane crash while supporting fire suppression efforts on the Horse Gulch Fire,” said Helena Lewis and Clark Forest Supervisor Emily Platt. “Our deepest condolences go out to Juliana’s family, friends, colleagues, and the firefighting and aviation communities. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.”
KTVH-TV reports that "Juliana leaves behind a 17-year-old son and numerous family members in Brazil."
According to a press release from the US Forest Service, "Turchetti was flying a Fire Boss Air Tractor 802 (AT-802) under contract by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) on loan to the fire in support of the Forest Service suppression efforts."
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Juliana. The IDL firefighting and aviation community has been hit hard by this tragedy,” said IDL Director Dustin Miller. “Wildland firefighters, by air and by ground step up to do this dangerous work to protect our communities and lands. Juliana has given the ultimate sacrifice. Our hearts are heavy and she will not be forgotten.”
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Pilot killed in Montana firefighting plane crash identified as Brazil native
Daily Montanan, 7-11-24
The pilot who was killed in a crash Wednesday afternoon while fighting the Horse Gulch Fire northeast of Helena was identified by the county sheriff Thursday as Juliana Turchetti, 45, a native of Brazil.
Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton released Turchetti’s identity to the Daily Montanan just after noon on Thursday. The FireBoss pilot died when her plane, a single-engine water-scooping Air Tractor AT-802, hit the mountainside and landed in Hauser Lake, Dutton said in a text message.
Turchetti was employed by Idaho-based Dauntless Air, a company operating firefighting aircraft for more than 25 years who has held state and federal contracts since 2009, according to the company’s website. The company was contracted to fly for the Idaho Department of Lands but was on loan to the U.S. Forest Service, a spokesperson for the Forest Service said.
Dutton said Turchetti was a native of Brazil who was working in the U.S. on a visa. Dutton said Turchetti leaves behind a 17-year-old son and “numerous” family members in Brazil.
“We offer our sincere condolences to the family, the poor service partners and the aviation community,” Dutton said in a message.
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Pilot employed by Idaho company killed in plane crash while fighting Montana wildfire
Idaho Statesman, 7-11-24
A 45-year-old female pilot who was employed by an Idaho-based company died Wednesday in a plane crash while responding to a fire in Montana, according to the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office in Montana.
The human-caused Horse Gulch Fire began Tuesday outside of Helena, Montana, and has burned more than 1,000 acres in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The Sheriff’s Office, in a news release, identified the pilot as Juliana Turchetti, an employee of Dauntless Air.
The aerial firefighting company works with wildland firefighters and was on loan from Idaho to the U.S. Forest Service to help contain the fire, Idaho Gov. Brad Little and Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said in a joint news release.
Turchetti’s plane crashed into a mountainside and landed in Hauser Lake, according to the Sheriff’s Office. It’s unclear whether Turchetti, a native of Brazil, lived in Idaho, Betsy Kirkeby, spokesperson for the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, told the Idaho Statesman. Turchetti was the only person on the plane, and no other deaths or injuries were reported, according to the FAA.
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Firefighting pilot dies in crash at Hauser Lake
Bitterroot Star, 7-11-24
HELENA, Mont., July 11, 2024 – Wildland firefighting pilot Juliana Turchetti was killed in a single engine water scooper crash while assigned to the Horse Gulch Fire on the Helena Lewis and Clark National Forest. The crash occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, on Hauser Reservoir near Spokane Bay.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share that Juliana Turchetti, a wildland firefighting pilot, died in a plane crash while supporting fire suppression efforts on the Horse Gulch Fire,” said Helena Lewis and Clark Forest Supervisor Emily Platt. “Our deepest condolences go out to Juliana’s family, friends, colleagues, and the firefighting and aviation communities. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.”
Turchetti was flying a Fire Boss Air Tractor 802 (AT-802) under contract by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) on loan to the fire in support of the Forest Service suppression efforts.
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Idaho Power monitoring fire conditions 'around the clock'
KTVB, 7-11-24
BOISE, Idaho — Wildfire danger is the highest it's been so far this calendar year. Just this week, the Idaho Department of Lands upgraded the risk to "very high," which isn't the top of the scale, but it's a 4 out of 5 for fire danger. The only category above this one is "extreme."
Idaho Power is also monitoring the fire conditions, like wind, temperature and moisture, "around the clock". The public utility company is watching this closely, in part, to evaluate if it needs to put their "Public Safety Power Shutoff" plan in motion.
Essentially, it's an emergency plan where power would get turned off to homes that are in high wildfire danger areas. Idaho Power said it will use the plan when weather conditions, like a high wind event, could damage powerlines and potentially start a wildfire.
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Federal review prompted by NM wildfire warns of staffing shortfalls for future prescribed burns
Idaho Capital Sun, 7-9-24
As the U.S. Forest Service plans to greatly increase prescribed burns to protect communities from devastating wildfires, a government report prompted by New Mexico’s biggest-ever fire found “gaps in some key areas” in the federal agency’s strategy.
In June 2022, U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, a Democrat from Las Vegas, N.M., asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate and review the Forest Service’s prescribed burn protocols.
She did so a few weeks after two escaped prescribed burns ignited on federal forest land combined to become the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, which burned more than 530 square miles and hundreds of homes near her hometown.
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For the report, the Government Accountability Office:
- reviewed relevant Forest Service documents
- interviewed officials from agency headquarters, regional offices, and national forests
- interviewed stakeholders, including officials from Boise County and the Idaho Department of Lands, and Native American tribes
- conducted in-person site visits and interviews in Idaho and New Mexico
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KMVT, 7-5-24
BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) recently held its annual summer meeting in Lewiston, ID June 24-25, 2024. The event was last held in Lewiston in 2019.
2024′s meeting featured sessions on a variety of topics. A portion of attendees opt for participation in either the range tour or annual golf tournament. This year’s tour visited beef facilities & programs located in Moscow at the University of Idaho, while the golf tournament was played at Bryden Canyon Golf Course in Lewiston.
John Nalivka, President of Sterling Marketing, and Angela Vesco of Superior Livestock discussed the current cattle market, while other sessions included topics of land use, animal health, fence laws, and Idaho’s political landscape as it pertains to agriculture in the state and the upcoming election. Other special presenters included Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller, Idaho Beef Council’s CEO T.K. Kuwahara, Riverwood Strategies Todd Cranney, Public Lands Council Board Member Ron Cerri, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Marketing Lara Weiler, John Richards with Sawtooth Law Offices, Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s Director Chanel Tewalt and Deputy Director Lloyd Knight, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer.
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Wildfire risk increases across Idaho and the nation
KMVT, 7-3-24
BOISE, Idaho — Nationwide, there are 60 large wildfires and complexes. Idaho Department of Lands firefighters and support staff are in Alaska assisting with the 172 active wildfires across that state.
Currently, Idaho has no large fires, allowing IDL crews to aid fires in other states. Incident Commander Julia Lauch leads a Type 3 Incident Management Team currently deployed in Alaska and also serves as IDL Fire Deputy Chief of Operations. Additionally, IDL’s Teakean hand crew is deployed in Alaska, where they are constructing fireline and performing related tasks.
“This is an example of the type of opportunities available to Idaho Department of Lands wildland firefighters,” said Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller. “It benefits all of Idaho because it goes both ways – other states can help boost our wildfire efforts when we need it. I greatly appreciate our firefighters stepping up to help other states in need.”
Preventing unwanted human-caused wildfires is critical as Idaho heats up and outdoor recreation and 4th of July fun begins. Idaho’s Fire Prevention Officer Jen Russell has the following guidelines for weekend recreation. Get the latest from #FirePreventionJen by following IDL’s Facebook Page.
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IDL: Fire season looks mild
St. Maries Gazette Record, 7-3-24
Officials with the Idaho Department of Lands expect another mild fire season this year but say residents should remain vigilant as rising temperatures are right around the corner.
Idaho Department of Lands St. Joe District Fire Warden Cory Flesher said after speaking with meteorologists, he was told that this year’s weather forecast is on par with 2010’s. He said with that comparison they are able to somewhat predict what this year’s wildfire season will look like.
“We’ll compare analog years that are similar to this year and compare the fire seasons,” Flesher said. “We compared this year to 2010 which had a similar amount of moisture. 2010 was a fairly mild fire season.”
Flesher said the mildly warm weather and stints of rainfall may push the fire season out to the end of July or beginning of August but says this year is not looking to be on par with the 2015 fire season.
Flesher reported the IDL has responded to around 11 incidents so far this year with 10 of those being human caused fires and one that was started by a lightning strike. He said most of those fires were human caused, with most incidents relating to debris escaping controlled burns.
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IDL’s Wildfire Alerts make fire information more accessible
Idaho County Free Press, 7-3-24
Before peak fire season arrives, Idahoans are encouraged to sign up for Wildfire Alerts from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL).
IDL’s Wildfire Alerts system allows citizens to sign up to receive alerts for wildfires near their community, according to an IDL release. The system covers more than 9 million acres of private, state and federal land IDL protects. Alerts are sent via SMS/text messaging or email for fires that exceed 10 acres or threaten structures.
“We are committed to keeping people informed about fires on the land we protect by sending out accurate and timely information. Our alert system allows people to make decisions based on fact and not rumor. We encourage folks to sign up and stay informed this fire season,” said Dustin Miller, IDL director.
Sign up for alerts on the agency’s website: www.idl.idaho.gov/recent-wildfire-alerts/
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Governor Brad Little Proclaims July 2 as Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day
Big Country News, 7-2-24
BOISE - Governor Brad Little has proclaimed July 2, 2024, as Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day. This proclamation acknowledges the vital role played by the state's wildland firefighters in protecting millions of acres of private, state, and federal lands.
Dustin Miller, Director of the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), delivered a heartfelt message recognizing the tireless efforts of Idaho’s wildland firefighter community. "Today is a day to recognize the tireless efforts of the men and women who make up our wildland firefighter community," Miller stated. He emphasized the dedication of IDL fire crews, who work in dangerous and challenging conditions to protect Idaho's communities and natural resources.
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Boy Scouts sell McCall camp. It’s unclear who bought it or what’s next for the site
Boisedev, 7-1-24
A long-standing camp used by Boy Scouts for generations near Payette Lake will host its last campout soon. What’s next isn’t clear.
The Mountain West Council of Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) announced it sold Camp Morrison on Eastside Dr. in McCall.
“Camp Morrison has been a fantastic summer camp for our generations of Scouts,” S. Carl Nicolaysen, Doug Fry and Lynn Gunter wrote in an email sent last Friday afternoon. “Due to continued development around Camp Morrison, the council has been evaluating alternatives for relocating the camp for the last 20 years.”
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The Camp Morrison property is bordered by lands under the control of the Idaho Department of Lands, as well as private property owned by Boise business leader Joe Scott, who controls both McCall’s Shore Lodge and the Joe & Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation.
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Fire News
Firefighters Continue to Prevent Growth of Billy Creek Fire as Containment Reaches 74%
Big Country News, 7-11-24
LEWISTON - The Billy Creek Fire, located about 20 miles south of Lewiston along the Idaho side of the Snake River, was first reported just before 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. By 8:00 p.m. that same day, the fire had grown to over 1,500 acres. By noon on July 4, the fire was estimated at over 2,000 acres.
Despite the challenging record-setting heat, dry and windy conditions on Wednesday, firefighters did not observe any heat or smoke in the areas of concern. All known hotspots along the fire's edge have been thoroughly checked and addressed. With minimal heat remaining, there is minimal concern for any additional fire growth, say officials.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center on Thursday morning, the Billy Creek Fire showed no growth over the previous 48 hours, remaining at 3,185 acres, and was 74% contained.
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3,185-acre Billy Creek Fire burning near Idaho-Washington state border, 63% contained
KHQ, 7-10-24
UPDATE JULY 10, 12:12 P.M.
SNAKE RIVER, Idaho - According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the Billy Creek Fire has grown to over 3,185 acres and the fire is 63% contained.
The incident management team at the scene said that units are still fighting the fire. There are no evacuations or closures at this time.
Fire crews said that they are 14 personal combating the fire at this time.
UPDATE JULY 8, 11:40 a.m.
SNAKE RIVER, Idaho - According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the Billy Creek Fire has grown to over 3,169 acres and the fire is 33% contained.
The incident management team at the scene said that units are still fighting the fire. There are no evacuations or closures at this time.
UPDATE JULY 4, 7 p.m.
SNAKE RIVER, Idaho - According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the Billy Creek Fire has grown to over 3,000 acres.
There are no evacuations in place as of 7 p.m..
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Billy Creek Fire Held to 3,185 Acres, Listed as 63% Contained
Big Country News, 7-10-24
LEWISTON - The Billy Creek Fire, located about 20 miles south of Lewiston along the Idaho side of the Snake River, was first reported just before 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. By 8:00 p.m. that same day, the fire had grown to over 1,500 acres. By noon on July 4, the fire was estimated at over 2,000 acres.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center on Wednesday morning, the Billy Creek Fire showed no growth over the previous 24 hours, remaining at 3,185 acres, and was 63% contained.
Officials say fire behavior has been minimal, with mostly creeping and smoldering being noted. Fire personnel are now confident that the north, south and west sides of the fire are secure enough that the fire will not grow on those edges.
READ MOREhttps://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/idaho/fire-burning-along-the-snake-river-south-of-lewiston-now-33-contained/article_4ee2d5ac-3a03-11ef-926c-9788e20a2131.html
Billy Creek Fire steady at 33% containment
Lewiston Tribune, 7-9-24
The Billy Creek Fire south of Lewiston has grown little since its first run last week.
According to an update from the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire was last measured at 3,169 acres and is 33% contained.
The fire started Wednesday near the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Billy Creek Ranch, just north of Heller Bar. The cause is under investigation. It grew to about 3,000 acres during its first 24 hours.
The firefighting effort is being managed by a Type 1 team.
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Billy Creek Fire reaches 3,000 acres as crews work toward containment
Boise State Public Radio, 7-7-24
Since July 3, the Billy Creek Fire has spread from 150 acres to 3,200 acres just east of the Idaho-Washington border.
Fire crews from the Idaho Department of Lands initially responded to the site alongside local firefighters, but official management shifted to a complex incident team on Sunday.
On Monday, managers reported containment increased from 10% to 33%, and recent fire growth was minimal.
But Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 Fire Information Officer Christopher Joyner said there is still work to be done.
“When we rule the fire contained, we're looking for that fire to be contained. We've not reached that. Even if the public going by is not seeing smoke, there's still activity there,” Joyner said in an interview.
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Billy Creek Fire 33 percent contained
KLEW, 7-8-24
NEZ PERCE COUNTY - As of this morning the Billy Creek fire is now 33% contained and around 3,169 acres have burned. The fire began last Wednesday off the Snake River near the Idaho/Washington border.
The Idaho Department of Lands turned the fire over to the Northern Rockies Team One.
150 personnel, two dozers, one helicopter, four hand crews and one jet boat are working to increase the fire's containment.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, fire growth has been minimal and further containment increases are expected in the coming days.
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Containment grows on Billy Creek Fire near Idaho-Washington border
KXLY, 7-8-24
UPDATE: July 8, 9:45 a.m.
Containment grew Sunday night on the Billy Creek Fire burning on the Washington/Idaho border south of Lewiston.
According to Idaho Department of Lands, the fire is now 33% contained and remains at 3,169 acres. Containment is expected to grow in the coming days.
There remains no closures or evacuations.
UPDATE: July 7, 11:50 a.m.
The Billy Creek Fire has grown to 3,169 acres and crews have contained about 10% of the fire. The fire is near the Idaho/Washington border off the Snake River.
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Billy Creek fire near Idaho-Washington border grows to more than 3,000 acres
Spokesman-Review, 7-7-24
LEWISTON, Idaho – Boaters lounging on a Snake River beach on Independence Day could see two helicopters scooping water as part of the work to control the Billy Creek fire burning in Idaho about 20 miles south of Asotin, Washington.
Multiple planes were involved in the effort , with some dropping water and others dropping retardant on the blaze that ignited Wednesday, rapidly growing to 3,000 acres by Thursday, near the Idaho-Washington border, according to an Idaho Department of Lands news release.
As of late Sunday morning, the fire has spread to 3,169 acres and is 10% contained, the release reads.
The fire near the Billy Creek Ranch house in the Craig Mountain Wildlife area is burning on the breaks of the Snake River and is visible from Heller Bar. The smoke can be seen from as far away as the top of the Lewiston Hill.
The land is managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
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Billy Creek Fire grows to 3,000+ acres along Idaho/Washington border
KREM, 7-4-24
The Idaho Department of Lands says there are structures within a mile of the perimeter threatened with erratic winds.
GRANGEVILLE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Lands is responding to a 3,000+ acre brush fire burning south of Lewiston, near the Idaho/Washington border.
Here is what we know so far:
- The fire is being called the Billy Creek Fire
- The fire is 3,185 acres and burning off the Snake River near the Idaho/Washington border
- Fire is 74% contained
- There are no evacuations or closures as of now for the fire
- Structures are within a mile of the perimeter
- The fire was reported just before 3 p.m. on July 3
- The fire burned in grass and brush
- The Idaho Department of Lands and fire crews, including some from Grangeville are responding to the fire
- A large air tanker with the Washington Department of Natural Resources is helping put out the fire, along with other resources
- Idaho Department of Lands has ordered a Complex Team and Team 1 from The Northern Rockies is aiding in containing the fire
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Idaho Department of Lands
Fire Information Email: 2024.billycreek@firenet.gov
Fire Information Hotline: 208-901-7230 (7am- 5pm)
July 11, 2024
Northern Rockies Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson
Location: Off the Snake River near the Idaho/Washington Border
Start Date: 7/3/2024. Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 3185 acres
Completion/Containment: 74%
Resources: 132 Total Personnel; 2 Hand Crews; 1 Jet Boat
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