Current News Coverage
Property owner withdraws controversial Spirit Lake sandbar project
Coeur d'Alene Press, 8-2-24
SPIRIT LAKE — Overwhelming community opposition to the potential removal of the sandbar at Spirit Lake's Brickel Creek has stopped the project in its tracks.
Property owner and longtime Spirit Lake summer resident Stephen Ford agreed to rescind his application Thursday evening following an Idaho Department of Public Lands public hearing, during which several people spoke out against the proposed project.
Ford said everyone was in favor of removing the silt bar when he spoke to his neighbors before starting the permit process. The application to the Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Idaho Department of Water Resources was submitted in November 2022.
He said he didn't hear of anyone in opposition of the project until a month ago.
"I now know otherwise," Ford said.
According to Ford's application, excess materials from the sandbar are making his dock inaccessible, thus the proposed creek diversion and sandbar removal. Ford said he is currently using his neighbor's dock on the northern end of his property.
"If he puts his dock on the south side of his property, I will need to move my dock to the south at least 50 feet," Ford said.
Idaho Department of Lands resource supervisor Mike Ahmer recommended the project not be approved. He said IDL "has several concerns about the project that relate to the necessity of the project, the efficacy of the project and the risk to the lake's water quality and clay-sealed bottom."
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Public hearing on Brickel Creek sandbar removal to be held Thursday
Coeur d'Alene Press, 7-31-24
SPIRIT LAKE — A public hearing regarding the potential removal of the sandbar at Brickel Creek in Spirit Lake will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday in Classroom 33349 at Timberlake High School, 5973 Highway 54, Spirit Lake.
According to the Spirit Lake Property Owners Association's website, friendsofspiritlake.com, an application has been submitted to the Idaho Department of Lands to divert the mouth of Brickel Creek and dredge to remove the sandbar that has formed. The stated purpose for the application is to improve a property owner's dock access.
"The sandbar formed, presumably, as a result of an earlier human intervention that involved trapping and removed the existing beaver and straightening Brickel Creek," the website states. "At the time this seemed like a reasonable action. The result over time, however, is increased erosion of Brickel Creek, increased sediment flow into the lake and the formation of the sandbar at the mouth. The sandbar is a natural phenomenon that now may serve to slow the flow rate of Brickel Creek, improve spawning success and trap sediment from entering the lake."
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Organic farmers fight Idaho for land they thought was theirs
Spokesman-Review, 7-28-24
SANTA, Idaho – Nearly a half century ago, Greg and Leah Sempel began scratching a living out of land that almost nobody wanted. Now the state of Idaho has made their simple life awfully complicated.
The Sempel homestead is situated at the end of what had been a glorified trail located along Pokey Creek on a ridgetop to the east and uphill from Santa. For the first 15 years, the Sempels hauled in supplies and packed out their laundry on horses.
“I call it mountain farming,” Leah Sempel said. “All of our work and life and our dreams are tied up into that.”
They raised four children, most of whom had to walk 4½ miles to the nearest bus stop. For a decade, they lived in a 12-by-15 -foot cedar cabin that Greg Sempel had obtained, disassembled and rebuilt on their property.
The couple carved out roads with an old Allis-Chalmers bulldozer, which doubled as the primary snow remover. They harvested local tamarack and red fir trees for 10 years to build their existing log home.
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Idaho Department of Lands reports 65 human-caused fires this season
KIVI, 7-29-24
IDAHO — This fire season has been incredibly active in Idaho and the nearby Eastern Oregon area and the Idaho Department of Lands has released a report of wildfire activity across the state as of July 26.
The IDL is reporting 179 fires to date with over 20,000 acres burned in IDL-protected lands and 46,000 acres being scorched state-wide.
Of these fires, 65 are confirmed to be human-caused, while 51 have been determined to be natural. 63 fires have undetermined causes at this time.
The Idaho Department of Land's wildfire report page is available here for live updates on the fire situation in the Gem State.
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IDL Wildfire News
Toll of the Gwen Fire: 25 residences, 118 other structures
Lewiston Tribune, 8-2-24
There were 25 residences along with 118 other structures destroyed in the Gwen Fire, according to updated information on the Idaho Fire Map.
The fire, which was judged 65% contained Thursday morning, roared through an area east of Lewiston last week. The fire threatened towns like Juliaetta and Myrtle, but the structures lost were in rural areas.
The fire’s area remained unchanged Thursday. It spread over 28,805 acres, according to the latest Idaho Department of Lands news release.
Crews on Wednesday worked the north, west and south perimeters of the fire. Unmanned aircraft are scouting for hot spots and documenting areas disturbed by suppression activities. Fixed-wing aircraft will conduct infrared surveillance to verify the findings of crews on the ground and of unmanned aircraft.
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Report: 143 structures have been lost in the Gwen Fire burning near Juliaetta, Idaho
JULIAETTA, Idaho — According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 143 structures have been lost in the Gwen Fire burning in Juliaetta, Idaho.
KREM 2 News is working to confirm how many of those structures burned were homes. Stay tuned to this story for the latest updates.
There are currently Level 1 Evacuations for people near the fire after Level 3 Evacuations were issued.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire has burned 28,805 acres and is 65% contained.
According to fire officials, the fire was started by lightning.
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Firefighters Achieve Full Containment of Steelhead and Cherry Fires Near Riggins
Big Country News, 8-1-24
RIGGINS - As of August 1st, Firefighters have successfully contained the Steelhead and Cherry fires north of Riggins, Idaho. These fires were ignited by a lightning storm that swept through the area on July 23 and 24. The rapid and effective response from local teams and support from resources across the country was crucial in containing the fires, which extended beyond the initial response phase.
The Steelhead Fire, which started on July 24, was located approximately 11.8 miles north of Riggins. Crews were able to access the fire directly off Highway 95 and began constructing control lines with the support of water drops from aviation resources. The fire, initially estimated at 70 acres, had been fully contained with a final size of 59 acres by July 31st. Fire resources were then reassigned to new incidents or redirected to support efforts on the Cherry Fire. An Idaho Department of Lands suppression module from northern Idaho will remain to monitor any changes in fire behavior.
The Cherry Fire, reported on July 25 and located about 3 miles northeast of Riggins, presented significant challenges due to the rugged and steep terrain. Despite the limited road access and long drive times for engines from Riggins, smokejumpers and ground crews managed to contain the fire to 53 acres. The recent substantial wetting rains and cooler temperatures helped reduce fire behavior, allowing crews to reinforce control lines and increase containment.
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Gwen Fire is now 65% Contained
Big Country News, 8-1-24
LEWISTON - After lightning moved through the area on Wednesday, July 24, multiple fires quickly spread in the region, mostly to the east of Lewiston. Winds quickly spread the flames on Thursday, and the fire continued to spread through the following weekend.
As of Wednesday morning, the Gwen Fire was still estimated at 28,805 acres, the same number released by officials on Monday.
As of Wednesday evening, the fire was reportedly 65% contained. 307 total personnel were still working to secure the firelines and address remaining hotspots on the interior of the fire.
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Crews make progress against the Gwen Fire on Tuesday
Lewiston Tribune, 8-1-24
Favorable weather conditions in recent days gave firefighters a chance to make gains against the Gwen Fire, which is now 34% contained.
Crews spent Tuesday finding hot spots and snuffing them out, according to a news release from Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three. The plan for Wednesday was for “cold trailing,” a process where firefighters inspect and feel for heat with their hands, if needed, to make sure no hot spots remain on the fireline that could compromise containment.
All areas affected by the fire have been downgraded to Level 1 evacuation status, according to the news release. That means people should be preparing to leave.
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Full Containment Achieved on Steelhead Fire; Significant Progress on Cherry Fire Near Riggins
Big Country News, 7-31-24
RIGGINS - Firefighters have spent much of the last week fighting a pair of wildfires near Riggins.
The effort to contain the Steelhead Fire and Cherry Fire, both located on Idaho Endowment Lands, is being coordinated by an Idaho Department of Lands Type 3 Incident Management Team.
The Steelhead Fire started on July 24 and is located approximately 11.8 miles north of Riggins. The Cherry Fire was reported on July 25 and is located about 3 miles northeast of Riggins. Both fires are in very rugged and steep terrain, making direct ground firefighting actions challenging.
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Community Meeting in Deary to Discuss Gwen Fire Updates
Big Country News, 7-31-24
DEARY – Residents and interested parties are invited to a community meeting to receive updates on the Gwen Fire, which has been actively managed by the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three. The meeting will be held at the Deary Volunteer Fire Department, 301 2nd Ave, Deary, Idaho. Those unable to attend in person can watch a live stream on the Idaho Department of Lands Facebook page.
The Gwen Fire, reported on July 24, 2024, was caused by lightning and is located 5 miles east of Lapwai, Idaho. As of now, the fire has burned 28,805 acres and is 34% contained. A total of 269 personnel are currently involved in the firefighting efforts.
During the meeting, Incident Commander Bill Waln will provide updates on the progress made in containing the fire, current challenges, and strategies moving forward. This is an opportunity for the community to ask questions and understand the ongoing efforts to manage and contain the fire.
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Gwen fire now 34% contained
Coeur d'Alene Press, 7-31-24
Firefighters took advantage of the cooler, wetter weather and were able to make significant progress in finding and extinguishing hot spots in all areas of the fire yesterday. Containment has increased to 34 percent, according to a press release from the Idaho Department of Lands.
Today in areas of the fire that are uncontained, crews will be cold trailing. Cold trailing is a process where firefighters inspect and feel heat with their hands, if needed, to make sure no hotspots remain on the fireline that could compromise containment.
In Division Foxtrot on the northeast side of the fire, crews continue to work in the Pine Creek drainage where large logs and vegetation is still holding heat. They will be supported by aviation resources if needed.
Stealhead, Cherry fires burning north of Riggins
Idaho County Free Press, 7-30-24
RIGGINS — Following a July 24 lightning storm, multiple fires were started throughout the Grangeville dispatch zone. The Stealhead and Cherry Fires, both full suppression fires on Idaho Endowment Lands (IDL) north of Riggins, are being coordinated by an IDL Type 3 Incident Management Team.
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Gwen Fire evacuation orders reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready)
KHQ, 7-30-24
NEZ PERCE COUNTY, Idaho — Fire officials have announced that all evacuation zones affected by the Gwen Fire have been reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready).
The Latah County Sheriff’s Office reported that, as of Tuesday, July 30, the evacuation status for the Gwen Fire has been lowered to Level 1.
Deputies emphasize that although evacuation orders have been downgraded, wildfires are unpredictable and can change rapidly. They also advise drivers to proceed slowly on Highway 3 and Highway 12, as fire crews are still active in the area.
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Sagle fire destroys two homes
Bonner County Daily Bee, 7-30-24
SAGLE — Two homes were among a handful of buildings destroyed in a Monday afternoon fire in the Sagle area, according to Selkirk Fire officials.
Two outbuildings were also reported to have been destroyed in the fire, which was reported at 1:11 p.m. in the 100 block of Schneiders Road. When firefighters arrived on the scene of the fire, they found multiple structures involved and the fire spreading to nearby vegetation, Selkirk Fire's Brandon Vaccaro told the Daily Bee.
While erratic winds hampered firefighting efforts, Vaccaro said air tankers were able to make retardant drops on the fire, which helped reduce the growth of the fire. As of Monday evening, the vegetation fire remained under 4 acres.
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A unified command with the Idaho Department of Lands was established once the fire spread into the heavy brush and timber near the structures, Vaccaro said.
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Officials Report Gwen Fire now 10% Contained, Over 90 Structures Reportedly Lost
Big Country News, 7-30-24
LEWISTON - After lightning moved through the area on Wednesday, July 24, multiple fires quickly spread in the region. Most of the fire activity was located to the east of Lewiston. Winds quickly spread the flames on Thursday and the fire continued to spread through the following weekend.
In an early Tuesday morning update from the National Interagency Fire Center, the Gwen Fire was still estimated at 28,805 acres, the same number released by officials on Monday. The fire was considered 10% contained as of about 9:00 a.m. on Monday.
The NIFC update also shows that 92 structures have been reported lost to the fire. Primary residences, outbuildings, and commercial buildings are among the structures lost. The specific totals by type of structures lost has not yet been made available.
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Juliaetta residents can return home as evacuation levels lowered in Gwen fire
Spokesman-Review, 7-29-24
Residents of Juliaetta, Idaho, can return to their homes as evacuations for the Gwen fire were lowered to a Level 2 on Monday.
According to a Facebook post from the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Juliaetta was moved to “be set” to evacuate and Idaho Highway 3 was reopened. The town of Kendrick is also in Level 2 evacuations.
However, fire behaviors can “change rather quickly,” the sheriff’s office said, so residents must be prepared for evacuation notices also to change.
As of Monday morning, the Gwen fire was reported as reaching over 28,800 acres, the Idaho Department of Lands released. Total containment is still at 0%, but firefighters are making “good progress” on the Northwest corner of the fire as they completed a dozer line in the area.
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Fire risk remains high as progress is made on Gwen Fire
KHQ, 7-29-24
JULIAETTA, Idaho - The Idaho Department of Lands has released new information on the status of the Gwen Fire and the new plans to hopefully begin containment.
The Gwen Fire has burned 28,805 acres and the Idaho Department of Lands say they plan secure a fire perimeter line today.
A dozer line was completed on the northern side of the fire which will aid the firefighters in keeping it contained and staying west of Pine Creek.
Containment is slowly moving and remains at 0% but IDOL says good progress has been made.
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Gwen Fire Estimated to have Reached 28,805 Acres in Size, Still no Containment
Big Country News, 7-29-24
LEWISTON - After lightning moved through the area on Wednesday, July 24, multiple fires quickly spread in the region. Most of the fire activity was located to the east of Lewiston. Winds quickly spread the flames on Thursday.
As of 9:00 a.m., Monday, July 29, the Idaho Department of Lands reported the Gwen Fire was estimated at 28,805 acres, with 0% containment. The area estimate represents a lower number from Sunday morning's estimate of 35,402 acres - due to new more accurate GIS mapping.
Officials said Monday morning that firefighters were able to make good progress on the northwest corner of the fire over the weekend. Crews will continue to extinguish hotspots along the fire perimeter on Monday and attempt to secure the fireline.
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FEMA approves funds to help combat Gwen Fire in Idaho
KREM2, 7-29-24
BOTHELL, Wash. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist with firefighting costs for the Gwen Fire, which is currently burning in Latah County, Idaho.
FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn approved Idaho’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) early Friday morning. Nunn determined that the Gwen Fire posed a significant threat of destruction, qualifying it as a major disaster. This marks the second FMAG declared in Idaho for wildfire assistance this year.
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New GIS Mapping Reduces Gwen Fire Estimate to 27,714 Acres From Previous 35,402 Acres
Big Country News, 7-29-24
LEWISTON - After lightning moved through the area on Wednesday, July 24, multiple fires quickly spread in the region. Most of the fire activity was located to the east of Lewiston.
As of 1:00 p.m., Sunday, July 28, the Idaho Department of Lands reported the Gwen Fire was estimated at 27,714 acres, with 0% containment. This represented a lower number from Sunday morning's 6:00 a.m. estimate of 35,402 acres - due to new more accurate GIS mapping.
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Gwen Fire east of Lewiston grows overnight
KXLY, 7-28-24
LATAH COUNTY, ID -- The Gwen Fire grew almost 8,000 acres overnight Saturday, according to Idaho Department of Lands.
As of 1 p.m. on July 28, the fire is estimated to have burned 27,714 acres of land and remains 0% contained.
Earlier in the day, around 8:00 a.m., the fire was incorrectly estimated at closer to 35,000 acres.
Highway 12 and Highway 3 both have sections closed and evacuations remain in place.
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Community Meeting on Gwen Fire Scheduled
Big Country News, 7-28-24
LEWISTON - The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team, along with cooperating agencies, is organizing a community meeting regarding the Gwen Fire.
- When: Monday, July 29th, 2024, Time: 6:00 pm
- Where: Lapwai Elementary School, 170 Agency Rd., Lapwai, ID
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VIEW THE SOCIAL MEDIA ARCHIVE ON IDL'S WEBSITE
Girl Scout Kindness
Posted August 1, 2024
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Girl Scout Troop 4950 visited the Incident Command Post and delivered 18 cases of cookies for firefighters on the #2024gwenfire this morning!
Incident Meteorologist Spencer Tangen launched a balloon and showed the scouts how he uses it to gather information and predict weather that may impact fire behavior. Later the scouts received team patches from the Incident Commanders and a donation from Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Three.
Thanks to Maxi, Kenzie, Jade, Sadie, Makayla and leaders Pam Westfall and Melissa Macklin!
Want to know how to thank a firefighter?
Posted August 2, 2024
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Prevent all unwanted human-caused fires (a thank you card or a high five  is pretty nice as well) 
With current high temperatures, numerous fires both locally and in neighboring states, and a good two more months of fire season ahead, it’s imperative that we do everything we can to avoid adding to the fire load with preventable ignitions.
Feeling extra motivated? Create defensible and survivable space around your home and property. This not only creates a safer working environment for our fire folks but also increases your resilience to wildfire.
Learn more about what you can do here:  https://fireadaptedmontana.org/preparedness-folder
#OneTeam #ThankAFirefighter #WildfirePrevention #FirePreventionJen
 Brendan Horan, IDL Teakean T2IA HC. Crew walking into #TexasFire2024 Kendrick, Idaho.
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