Current News Coverage
Wildfire season isn't over yet
Bonner County Daily Bee, 10-11-24
While summer is over, the wildfire season is not. Fire danger remains high due to extremely receptive fuels across Idaho’s forests, rangelands, and other natural areas.
With the warmer, drier conditions we are experiencing this fall, Idaho Department of Lands officials are urging everyone to remain vigilant in preventing wildfires.
"Even as temperatures begin to cool slightly, the lack of moisture and the abundance of dry fuels keep the wildfire risk dangerously high," said Josh Harvey, IDL Fire Bureau Chief. "We need everyone to do their part in preventing wildfires as we move into the fall."
As the fire season draws to a close, many of IDL’s seasonal firefighting personnel have completed their service for the year. With fewer firefighters on hand, it is crucial that the public helps to prevent wildfires by staying aware of fire restrictions, taking precautions with outdoor burning, and being diligent in extinguishing campfires completely.
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Closed fire season extended statewide due to dry conditions, low precipitation
Bonner County Daily Bee, 10-10-24
The Idaho Department of Lands has extended closed fire season as dry conditions, low precipitation and above-average daytime temperatures persist statewide, according to a notice put out by IDL.
Under Idaho law, any person living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho is required to obtain a burn permit during closed fire season. This includes the burning of crop residue but excludes recreational campfires, according to the notice.
The extension will be in full effect from Oct. 20 "until this order is otherwise rescinded," the notice reads.
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Idaho extends burn permit requirement due to ongoing wildfire risks
KLEW, 10-10-24
IDAHO – The Idaho Department of Lands is extending the closed fire season, requiring burn permits statewide beyond the original end date of October 20th, 2024. This extension is due to the warm and dry conditions and the hazardous fuel conditions that the Fall season has shown. All a risk to wildfires.
Under Idaho Code 38-115, IDL’s director is granted the authority to regulate burning activities during the closed fire season. Normally the closed fire season runs from May 10th to October 20th of each year. However, with the ongoing high fire danger and a decrease in firefighting resources as season crews wrap up, burn permits will remain mandatory until further notice.
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Ruling could come on Idaho Club’s development near Trestle Creek by mid-Nov.
The Sandpoint Reader, 10-9-24
The Idaho Club’s proposed 88-slip commercial marina near the mouth of Trestle Creek was again before residents Oct. 7, when the Idaho Office of Administrative Hearings took public testimony on behalf of the Idaho Department of Lands.
Though first fronted in 2008, the development has undergone numerous revisions over the years, with the current iteration including a breakwater, pedestrian bridge and parking lot, as well as seven houses with corresponding private docks.
The plan has faced opposition from community members and conservation groups alike, who worry about the potential boat traffic and pollution it could generate in proximity to bull trout and kokanee salmon habitat. Bull trout are protected by the Endangered Species Act and listed as threatened in all of their known habitats, including Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
According to the Idaho Conservation League, more than half of the Pend Oreille Basin’s bull trout population spawn in Trestle Creek.
Closed fire season extended indefinitely
9B.News, 10-9-24
Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has announced the extension of the closed fire season, requiring burn permits statewide beyond the original end date of October 20, 2024. This decision comes in response to unseasonably warm, dry weather and increasingly hazardous fuel conditions, which continue to elevate the risk of wildfires.
Under Idaho Code §38-115, IDL’s director is granted the authority to regulate burning activities during the closed fire season. Director Dustin Miller directed the state forester to issue a proclamation extending the closed the fire season.
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Wildfire season not over, preventing human-caused fires
KLEW, 10-9-24
IDAHO - It's officially the fall season but temperatures are still high for this time of year creating warmer and drier conditions, meaning fuels in forests, rangelands and natural areas are easily ignitable right now.
" There just isn't any moisture left in that fuel so any one little spark could ignite a wildfire," Idaho Department of Lands Fire Prevention Officer Jennifer Russell said.
At this point in the year many Idaho Department of Lands firefighters are done for the season, meaning a longer response time and fewer resources and making human-caused fire prevention more important than ever.
IDL is asking the public to stay aware of fire restrictions. Be cautious when outdoor burning, beforehand make sure you have a burn permit if needed, check the weather, and have the appropriate tools nearby to help control the fire.
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Using a helicopter to sling boats over Shoshone Falls, ISDA gets set for quagga eradication
KIVI, 10-8-24
TWIN FALLS, Idaho — As ISDA initiates a new round of treatment on the Snake River to eradicate invasive quagga mussels, they got a lift over Shoshone Falls from friends with the Idaho Department of Lands.
- Monday was the first day of treatment of the Snake River with a copper chelate product to kill quagga mussels.
- The Snake River will be closed from Hansen Bridge to Broken Bridge at Yingst Grade during the ten-day treatment.
(Below is the transcript from the broadcast story)
Work is once again underway to eradicate invasive quagga mussels in the Snake River. I'm your Twin Falls neighborhood reporter Lorien Nettleton, and I was there as ISDA got a lift over Shoshone Falls, to help situate boats and equipment.
It was a surprising sight, but necessary, for crews to access the area in need of treatment.
You can't get to this stretch between Shoshone Falls and Pillar Falls by boat, so that's where the whirlybird comes in.
A firefighting contractor with the Idaho Department of Lands was able to shuttle equipment over the falls, where it will stay over the next several weeks.
As we've previously reported, the mid-Snake River from Hansen Bridge to the Broken Bridge at Yingst Grade will be closed as the ISDA performs a treatment, introducing a copper chelate product to the river to kill off the invasive quagga mussels.
After four trips, the bird cut loose, and crews began their ten-day treatment, using the same copper chelate used in 2023.
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Residents condemn proposed Trestle Creek development
Bonner County Daily Bee, 10-9-24
SANDPOINT — About a dozen area residents spoke before an audience at Sandpoint High School’s auditorium as part of a hearing held by the Idaho Department of Lands.
Most expressed firm opposition to a proposed marina development on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille near the North Branch of Trestle Creek.
The Oct. 7 hearing was organized by IDL to field community input ahead of a decision whether to approve a permit for the development.
According to a background statement published by IDL and recognized as accurate by the applicant, Valiant Idaho, LLC/Valiant Idaho II, LLC aims to make several changes to the shoreline and the creek area. The application includes a plan to construct an 88-boat commercial marina in the area, install a breakwater, dredge on the lake, implement erosion control infrastructure, and reroute a section of the creek.
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Explosions expected south of Clearwater for timber sale road project
Clearwater Tribune, 10-9-24
CLEARWATER - Residents near Clearwater, Idaho, may hear the sound of explosions from October 14-21. The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Maggie Creek Supervisory Area will oversee a timber sale road reconstruction project south of Clearwater above the Elk City Wagon Road. The project will use explosives to remove subsurface and hard rock outcroppings to realign and complete the road.
There is no public access to the area, and IDL advises people to avoid the location during this period. For more information, residents can contact the Maggie Creek office at 208-935-2141.
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Sandpoint Fire to host open house
Bonner County Daily Bee, 10-9-24
SANDPOINT — On Oct. 11, local firefighters will welcome the community for an afternoon of education, outreach, and interactive fun.
Sandpoint Fire is hosting an open house at its main station this Friday in recognition of fire prevention month. In addition to offering a chance to meet new firefighters on the staff, the event will feature a kids firefighter combat course and several educational modules.
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Idaho Department of Lands staff will provide information about preventing wildland fires and mannequins will be available for hands-only CPR practice.
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Good Neighbor Authority - USFS, IDL restore ecosystems, mitigate wildfire threats
Idaho County Free Press, 10-9-24
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) are jointly undertaking a multiyear series of projects designed to restore forest ecosystems and increase fire resilient landscapes. The Idaho Department of Lands was the first agency to enter into a Good Neighbor Authority Agreement (GNA) with the forests in 2016. Building on this near decade long record of success, partnership efforts continue to focus on fuels reduction and landscape level restoration projects that will leverage resources across state and federal management boundaries.
“IDL and the forest recognize many shared interests that can be achieved through shared stewardship,” stated Acting Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Supervisor, Molly Ryan. “We partner together because ecosystems cross boundaries and together we can work at the landscape level to achieve our shared objectives.”
GNA authorizes the forests to utilize the unique capacities of tribal, state and local governments to achieve shared stewardship objectives. This authority allows partners to perform forest and watershed restoration work that will improve forest resilience and directly benefit local communities and small businesses. Revenues generated from GNA timber sales conducted by IDL on national forest lands are used to fund additional restoration projects and offset the personnel costs to GNA program participants.
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Clearwater explosions due to road work, Oct. 14-21
Idaho County Free Press, 10-9-24
CLEARWATER — Residents in the vicinity of Clearwater may hear the sound of explosions Oct. 14-21, but should not be concerned.
Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Maggie Creek Supervisory Area is overseeing a timber sale road reconstruction project south of Clearwater above the Elk City Wagon Road. The project requires using explosives to remove the subsurface and a hard rock outcropping in order to realign and complete the road.
There is no public access to the location and IDL asks people stay away from the area. For questions, contact the Maggie Creek office at 208-935-2141.
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LETTER: Hearn's criticisms of his opponent
Shoshone News-Press, 10-8-24
I think people expect legal and ethical behavior from legislators and the voters of District 2 can be assured that they will get that from me when I am elected in November.
Phil Hart does not live in Kellogg or in District 2 as required by the law. The house that he owns in Kellogg has been unoccupied and “under construction” according to an investigation and his neighbors, for years. He does not have an occupancy permit for this house. Phil Hart lives in an apartment at his business in Hayden. He has lived there since before he was elected to the Senate 2 years ago.
Phil Hart now claims that he has been living in an apartment behind his Kellogg house. Is he willing to go to Court and risk the possibility of a perjury charge and swear that he has been living in Kellogg for the last year?
People need to remember that this is not the first time Phil Hart has been in trouble for unethical or illegal behavior. In 1996 he admitted that he stole timber off of school state endowment lands and blamed the trouble he got into on his campaign Facebook page on “bureaucrats” who he felt were out to get him. The house Phil Hart built with the stolen timber was then taken by the IRS for unpaid taxes. In 2018 Phil Hart was declared ineligible to run in the primary because he did not live in the District.
Explosions Expected South of Clearwater for Timber Sale Road Project
Big Country News, 10-7-24
CLEARWATER - Residents near Clearwater, Idaho, may hear the sound of explosions from October 14-21. The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Maggie Creek Supervisory Area will oversee a timber sale road reconstruction project south of Clearwater above the Elk City Wagon Road. The project will use explosives to remove subsurface and hard rock outcroppings to realign and complete the road.
There is no public access to the area, and IDL advises people to avoid the location during this period. For more information, residents can contact the Maggie Creek office at 208-935-2141.
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Idaho officials grapple with worsening fire season
Missoula Current, 10-4-24
BOISE, Idaho (CN) — On the evening of July 24, a bolt of lightning cracked through the sky, igniting what would become the Wapiti Fire.
Roughly two miles southwest of Grandjean campground, the fire tore across the steep terrain of the Boise National Forest, posing challenges for firefighters right from the very start.
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Troubling stats, growing challenges
According to Josh Harvey, chief of fire management for the state Department of Lands, Idaho has had 318 fires this year, which have collectively burned 53,765 acres. Of those, 133 were caused by humans, while 119 were sparked by lightning. Another 66 are still under investigation.
“The numbers show we’re above average in both fires and total acreage burned,” Harvey said, noting that firefighting costs have soared to around $60 million.
Fire patterns have been erratic. North Idaho saw fires early in the season, while the central and south of the state had a late but intense outbreak.
“Early in August, we got some rain and cooler weather that helped calm things down in North Idaho,” he said. “But places like Stanley and Idaho City got hit hard during the peak heat.”
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Wildfire Coverage
Valley Fire Update
DailyFly, 10-8-24
Location: 1 mile east of Boise, Idaho
Reported: October 4, 2024
Cause: Under investigation
Acres: 9,892
Containment: 66%
Personnel: 202
Fuels: Timber and short grass
Incident Activity: Nevada Team 2, a Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team, took command of the Valley Fire at 7:30 p.m. Mountain Time on October 7, 2024. The team brings additional resources to continue successful firefighting efforts. The fire is under the jurisdiction of the Idaho Department of Lands and is a full fire suppression effort. Crews remain focused on the most active area of the fire in the north and northeast portion where it is burning in timber near Robie Creek residential areas. Fire containment has been successful on the west portion of the fire visible from Boise. The area is being carefully monitored, with crews ready to address any concerns as they arise.
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Wildfire Burning Northeast of Moscow 100% Contained
Big Country News, 10-7-24
MOSCOW - The Idaho Department of Lands has reported that the 138-acre Wallen Fire, located approximately 2 miles northeast of Moscow, was 100% contained as of Sunday evening.
The fire originated on Friday afternoon and officials say the cause is still under investigation.
Approximately 50 structures were threatened by the blaze. At the time of this writing, officials have not reported that any structures were lost.
Evacuation orders had been in place for the area, but all orders have since been lifted.
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Wallen Fire near Moscow now 100% contained, according to state agency
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 10-7-24
The Wallen Fire that is 2 miles northeast of Moscow is now 100% contained, according to an update from the Idaho Department of Lands at 8 p.m. Sunday.
The fire that sparked Friday afternoon during a windstorm has burned 138 acres. The size estimate of the fire is larger than what had been reported before because of better mapping, according to Sunday’s update.
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Wildfire Burning Northeast of Moscow 100% Contained
Big Country News, 10-7-24
MOSCOW - The Idaho Department of Lands has reported that the 138-acre Wallen Fire, located approximately 2 miles northeast of Moscow, was 100% contained as of Sunday evening.
The fire originated on Friday afternoon and officials say the cause is still under investigation.
Approximately 50 structures were threatened by the blaze. At the time of this writing, officials have not reported that any structures were lost.
Evacuation orders had been in place for the area, but all orders have since been lifted.
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Wallen Fire 50% contained, but low visibility leads to wrecks
The Spokesman-Review, 10-6-24
MOSCOW, Idaho – The 75-acre wildfire burning 2 miles northeast of Moscow was 50% contained as of Saturday night.
The Idaho Department of Lands is still asking Latah County residents to “be ready” to leave areas threatened by the Wallen fire. No structures have been lost, and all road closures are still in effect.
The blaze broke out Friday afternoon and was spread by strong wind gusts. Since then, the department reported there was minimal fire behavior and no growth.
Cool temperatures, high humidity and light winds made work easier for firefighters to establish control lines and mop up the fire. The department expected little to no fire activity overnight.
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Evacuations lowered for 125-acre Wallen Fire near Moscow
KXLY, 10-6-24
MOSCOW, Idaho -- Update, October 6, 2024 2:30 p.m.:
Around 12:30 p.m. on October 6, all level 2 evacuations for the Wallen Fire near Moscow were lowered to Level 1 (Get Ready) and all roads were reopened.
The Wallen Fire broke out on October 4 and burned approximately 125 acres.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Update, October 5, 2024 7 p.m.:
The Wallen Fire near Moscow is now 50% contained and 125 acres, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
IDL said the estimated fire size is larger because of better mapping and did not grow outside of the fire line.
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Wallen Fire Update for Saturday, October 5
DailyFly, 10-5-24
(Moscow, ID) The Latah County Sheriff’s Office has lowered the evacuation status from “GO NOW” to “BE READY” for the homes threatened by the 75-acre Wallen Fire, 2 miles northeast of Moscow. No structures have been lost. All road closures remain in effect.
Evacuation and road closure information can be found on the Latah County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LatahCountySO .
Overnight there was minimal fire behavior and no fire growth. No wind, cooler temperatures and high humidity will assist firefighters in their efforts today.
Idaho Department of Lands will be mapping the fire which will provide a better size estimate. Containment of a section of fire is determined when firefighters no longer have to worry the fire might move. It might be contained by a fireline, road or some factor that will prevent fire movement.
There are currently 6 engines and 2 fire tenders on the fire.
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Evacuations lowered for 125-acre Wallen Fire near Moscow
KXLY, 10-5-24
MOSCOW, Idaho -- Update, October 6, 2024 2:30 p.m.:
Around 12:30 p.m. on October 6, all level 2 evacuations for the Wallen Fire near Moscow were lowered to Level 1 (Get Ready) and all roads were reopened.
The Wallen Fire broke out on October 4 and burned approximately 125 acres.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
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Evacuation advisories for Wallen Fire lowered to Level 2 (Be Ready)
Coeur d'Alene Press, 10-5-24
Evacuation advisories for the Wallen Fire burning near Moscow have been lowered to Level 2 (Be Ready), according to a social media post from the Latah County Sheriff's Office. Those living in the evacuation zone may return to their homes at this time.
"As with any fire, be ready to leave at a moment's notice as fire behavior can change rapidly," the post read.
Roads will remain closed to through traffic in order to give fire personnel room to work.
About 50 structures are threatened by the 75-acre fire, which is 0% contained as of Friday evening, according to a social media release from the Idaho Department of Lands.
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Evacuation order changed to 'be ready' at area northeast of Moscow
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 10-5-24
Evacuation orders were lifted Saturday morning for a 75-acre wildfire burning 2 miles northeast of Moscow.
The Idaho Department of Lands asks Latah County residents to “be ready” to leave areas threatened by the Wallen Fire. No structures have been lost, and all road closures are still in effect.
Windy afternoon stokes wildfire
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 10-5-24
A wildfire and another dust storm pushed by wind gusts of more than 50 mph caused havoc Friday as it swept across southeastern Washington and north central Idaho.
Wind and low visibility were blamed for the rapid spread of a wildfire east of Moscow, multiple car accidents on U.S. Highway 95, downed trees limbs and utility lines throughout the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, and the sinking of a boat near the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers.
Wallen Fire threatening homes Friday evening
The Wallen Fire, estimated at 75 acres Friday evening and zero percent containment, prompted the Latah County Sheriff’s Office to issue a “Go Now” evacuation for the Wallen Road area 2 miles northeast of Moscow.
A news release from the Idaho Department of Lands said around 50 structures were threatened by the fire as of Friday evening, but no structures had been lost. Wallen Road from Robinson Park Road to Larson Road, all of Teare Road and all of Kasper Road were closed to the public Friday as crews responded to the blaze. Evacuation and road closure updates can be found at facebook.com/LatahCountySO.
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Latah County issues 'Go Now' evacuation for Wallen Rd. due to fire
KLEW, 10-5-24
Update 10/5
MOSCOW, Idaho (KLEW) — The Latah County Sheriff’s Office has lowered the evacuation status from “GO NOW” to “BE READY” for the homes threatened by the 75-acre Wallen Fire, 2 miles northeast of Moscow. No structures have been lost. All road closures remain in effect.
Update
The Idaho Department of Lands says that there are around 50 structures threatened by the Wallen Fire.
The fire is currently burning 2 miles northeast of Moscow and has burned around 75 acres.
There are currently 6 engines on the scene from the Department of Lands and 10-12 engines from rural fire departments from both Latah and Whitman Counties.
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Evacuations issued for fire near Moscow, prompting road closures
KHQ, 10-4-24
Update on Oct. 4 at 8:30 p.m. - The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) reported that approximately 50 structures are threatened by the 75-acre Wallen Fire near Moscow which is 0% contained.
The wildfire was first reported around 2:45 p.m. and is burning in grass, brush, and timber. Winds with gusts up to 45 miles per hour have created challenges for firefighters as the fire spreads near homes. Firefighters will remain on the scene throughout the night and into tomorrow.
Level 3 evacuation orders are still in effect for the following areas: Wallen Road from Teare Road to Robinson Park Road; Teare Road at Wallen Road to Highway 8; Kasper Road at Teare Road to Genesee Troy Road/Larson Road; Pine Crest Road from Robinson Park to Highway 8; and Reihle Road. Residents in these areas are urged to evacuate immediately.
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UPDATE AT 9:12 P.M.: Evacuation orders remain in place Friday night for Wallen Fire; 50 structures threatened
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 10-4-24
UPDATE AT 9:12 P.M.
The Idaho Department of Lands said in a news release around 50 structures were threatened by the Wallen Fire, but no structures had been lost. The blaze is estimated at 75 acres and zero percent containment.
The fire, which was reported around 2:45 p.m. Friday, was burning grass, brush and timber, and high winds with gusts of 45 mph posed a challenge to firefighters as the blaze neared homes, according to the IDL news release. Crews planned to remain on the scene through the night and today.
Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and less wind Saturday are expected to ease fire conditions, the IDL news release said. Fire crews from IDL, Latah and Whitman counties, Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association and Bennett Lumber assisted in the efforts.
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VIEW THE SOCIAL MEDIA ARCHIVE ON IDL'S WEBSITE
IDL Partners with ISDA
Posted October 9, 2024
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Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and contractors launched a 10-day comprehensive treatment of quagga mussels from downriver of Hansen Bridge to Centennial Waterfront Park on Tuesday, October 8.
Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) was proud to assist. An Emergency Disaster Declaration allowed IDL to use a contracted helicopter as part of the operation. There is no direct boat access below Shoshone Falls. The IDL team performed sling load missions to transport two bo…
Closed Fire Season Extended
 Closed Fire Season Extended: Stay Vigilant, Idaho!
Due to persistent wildfire risks and unseasonably dry conditions, the Idaho Department of Lands has extended the closed fire season beyond October 20, 2024. Burn permits for state and private lands are now REQUIRED statewide UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
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