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.
Idaho legislators celebrate death of proposal to sell off public lands
Idaho Capital Sun, 7-11-25
Idaho state legislators from both parties celebrated the death of a federal proposal that would have made millions of acres of public lands, including in Idaho, available to be sold off.
On June 30, 43 Republican Idaho state legislators signed a letter thanking U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson and U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, all R-Idaho, for protecting access to public lands during the recent federal budget reconciliation process.
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Rubel criticized Republicans in the Idaho Senate who sent a bipartisan public lands bill, House Bill 129, out for amendments, which ultimately resulted in the bill being killed when the 2025 legislative session adjourned in April.
If passed into law, the bill would have extended the amount of time money could be held in the Idaho land bank fund to purchase public lands from five years to 10 years.
Under state law, the land bank fund is used to hold money from the sale of state endowment lands for the purposes of acquiring other land.
But with the death of the bill, Rubel said that tens of millions of dollars that would have been available to acquire or purchase more public lands in Idaho is going away.
‘It affects all of us’: Community turns out to honor Cd’A fallen firefighter
Spokesman Review, 7-10-25
Mary Fritz was one of the several hundred who gathered on one of the three streets to pay their respects. She drove from her Kellogg residence to honor the ultimate sacrifice the firefighters made.
Fritz, a retired Idaho Department of Lands public information officer, has been around fires that have killed firefighters. But this was different.
“We never expect to roll up on a fire and have something like this happen,” said Fritz, who comes out of retirement each summer for the state to help push wildfire information out to the public.
Fritz, who was standing on Third Street and Harrison Avenue, said she was one of the public information officers for the Canfield fire. She said she’s heartbroken for the firefighters and affected families.
“This was a devastating experience, something we never imagined in the wildland firefighting community,” Fritz said. “It affects all of us that work in wildland fire.”
Idaho’s Team 1 tour of duty at the Twelve Mile Lake and Sand Lake fires draws to an end
Delta Wind, 7-10-25
Following their assignment to the Twelve Mile Lake and Sand Lake fires, Idaho Team 1 will be relinquishing their duties to an incoming team. Alaska’s Interior fire season kicked off with a vengeance following multiple lightning strikes mid-June as hot dry temperatures took over the area. The rapidly moving fires claimed numerous structures and forced others to evacuate.
Smoky skies were the norm with some area residents reporting falling ash. It may be attributed to good luck or the community’s due diligence to fire safety, but the Delta Junction area has been spared any wildland fires this season thus far.
Lightning strikes are blamed for the cause of several fires in the George Lake and Healy Lake areas. The fires threatened multiple homes and structures. Idaho Team 1, a type 3 incident management team based out of Boise took command June 25 of the two fires. Twelve Mile Lake was estimated at 14,420 acres and 2,856 for Sand Lake at the time.
Fire crews extinguished a field fire North of Princeton Wednesday morning.
Potlatch Volunteer Firefighters were called to the blaze on Gold Hill Road North of town around 11:00. The fire was threatening nearby timber. Firefighters were able to keep the flames from spreading into the trees. Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service and Bennett Lumber firefighters were called in to assist. It took crews about a half an hour to knock down the flames. The fire burned about an acre.
Kamiah firefighter back on duty after injury in Rock Fire battle
KHQ, 7-8-25
KAMIAH, Idaho - Lt. Robert of Kamiah Fire Rescue returned to duty after a hospital visit for a CT scan and wrist X-ray. He was struck by a rolling rock while battling the Rock Fire.
KFR Chief Billy shared photos that upon his return he was welcomed with a group hug from fellow KFR members.
The fire, located near Highway 12, has created hazardous conditions with steep terrain and areas of uncontrolled fire line.
Kamiah Fire Rescue members spent eight hours fighting the blaze alongside the Idaho Department of Lands. Highway 162 is open to one lane, but the fire will take several more days to contain.
Two Firefighters Injured as Wildfire South of Kamiah Grows to an Estimated 75 Acres
Dailyfly, 7-8-25
KAMIAH, ID – A wildfire burning along Highway 162, near milepost 17 between Kamiah and Winona, has grown to approximately 75 acres, according to Kamiah Fire-Rescue Chief Billy Monahan. The fire, named the Rock Fire, was first reported around noon on Monday and has burned up from the highway to near Winona Road.
Monahan said crews from Kamiah Fire-Rescue and the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) responded to the fire, with aerial support assisting throughout the day. Firefighters worked for eight hours on Monday battling the blaze, which remains active in steep and hazardous terrain.
An update from Monahan on Monday evening said two firefighters reportedly sustained minor injuries during operations. One Kamiah Fire-Rescue firefighter and one IDL crew member were hurt during a rock slide that followed a helicopter water drop.
Firefighters Extinguish Wildfire Between Kendrick & Juliaetta
Pullman Radio, 7-7-25
Firefighters extinguished a wildland blaze along State Highway 3 in Southern Latah County Sunday afternoon.
Kendrick and Juliaetta volunteer firefighters were called to the fire near milepost 11 around 3:30. Idaho Department of Lands firefighters and volunteer fire crews from Deary and Troy helped put out the flames. The Latah County Sheriff Office says the fire burned a couple of acres.
Idaho Department of Lands firefighters walk down First Avenue during Friday's Fourth of July grand parade.
Little proclaims July 2 as Wildland Firefighter Day to honor fallen firefighters
KIVI, 7-2-25
IDAHO — Gov. Brad Little has proclaimed July 2 as Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day to honor the two battalion chiefs killed in Sunday's shooting attack and recognize the dangerous work of wildland firefighters across the state.
Little says that the proclamation is meant to commemorate Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, who died June 29 in what officials described as an ambush shooting in North Idaho. A third firefighter was seriously injured in the attack.
Governor declares July 2 Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day
Emmett Messenger Index, 7-2-25
Gov. Brad Little has proclaimed July 2 as Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day.
The proclamation recognizes the sacrifice of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison who lost their lives in a heinous direct assault on our firefighters in North Idaho on June 29.
It also recognizes the highly dangerous work Idaho wildland firefighters accomplish in the protection millions of acres of private, state and federal land.
“Without this skilled workforce in Idaho we wouldn’t be able to combat the continued threat of wildfire,” Little said. “Idaho has invested in our wildland fire program to assure they can respond effectively to the severe fire seasons that are increasingly the new norm in Idaho.”
GREER – The Old Greer Fire in Lewis County, Idaho, is now 100% contained at 78 acres. Crews will continue mop-up operations over the next few days. The fire is transferring command from a Type 3 Incident Management Team down to a Type 4 Incident Management Team.
Old Greer Grade remains closed through mop-up. There are no evacuations in place, and the threat to the structures has passed thanks to the efforts of the crews from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), the U.S. Forest Service, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association.
Idaho seems headed for a bad fire season. Are we prepared to pay for it?
Idaho Statesman, 6-28-25
It’s only June, but the outlook is grim for this year’s fire season.
Much of the Northwest is in drought. Idaho’s snowpack has melted faster, brush has been drier and temperatures have been higher than usual, said Jim Wallmann, a meteorologist at the National Interagency Fire Center. Weather experts have seen these conditions before, ahead of some of the state’s worst fire seasons, Wallmann told state officials at a Land Board meeting.
Wallmann and Josh Harvey, the chief of fire management for the state’s Department of Lands, fear this fire season will rival last year’s, when hundreds of thousands of acres burned in more than 300 wildfires and cost Idaho about $60 million. But this summer, the state has less money set aside than in June 2024 to pay for it.
COEUR d'ALENE — The Canfield Mountain area closure associated with the Nettleton Gulch Fire was lifted Tuesday afternoon.
The fire began on National Forest System lands under the protection of the Idaho Department of Lands and after coordinated interagency firefighting efforts, the fire was 100% contained Friday.
Suppression repair work, including assessment and repair of trails impacted by fire suppression, is underway and firefighters are working on and near trails in the area.
The 23-acre Nettleton Gulch Fire by Canfield Mountain is 100% contained, the Idaho Department of Lands said Friday.
Operations will wrap up with demobilization of personnel and equipment backhaul. Suppression repair efforts are also underway, with a focus on minimizing the impact of firefighting efforts and returning the impacted area to its natural state, a press release said.
There were 90 personnel present at the site to assist with the fire with four engines, four hand crews and four water tenders.
Crews fully contain wildfire in Northern Idaho after firefighter ambush
KMVT, 7-5-25
OEUR d’ALENE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Firefighters fully contained a wildfire in Northern Idaho that the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office believes was started intentionally to ambush firefighters.
The Nettleton Gulch Fire burned 23 acres of land on Canfield Mountain just east of Coeur d’Alene, according to the Idaho Department of Lands. Crews spent the Fourth of July demobilizing personnel and equipment, and suppression repair efforts also began.
The Idaho Department of Lands' map of the fire and closure areas.(Idaho Department of Lands)
During a news conference on Monday, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said that they believe 20-year-old Wess Roley started the fire on Sunday with a flint starter. Norris said that they believe Roley, who was living in his vehicle at the time, intentionally started the fire to ambush firefighters.
COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO – A 20-year-old transient fatally shot two firefighters and wounded a third after setting a wildfire to lure them to a northern Idaho mountain Sunday, authorities said.
Wess Roley started the fire using flint on Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d’Alene, then opened fire on responding firefighters after they asked him to move his vehicle, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said Monday.
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Gov. Brad Little ordered U.S. and Idaho state flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the firefighters.
The Idaho Department of Lands said the fire had burned about 26 acres and was reasonably contained Monday.
Nettleton fire now 100% contained; Fire crews received therapy dog support
KHQ, 7-4-25
UPDATE: July 4, 2025 11:02 a.m.
The Nettleton Gulch Fire is now 100% contained, according to the North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Closures in the area remain in place for public and firefighter safety and access.
All Forest Service lands, roads, and trails west of Fernan Road (FSR 268), all FS lands, roads, and trails west of FSR 1525 and south of Yellow Banks Creek, and all FS lands roads, and trails south of Hayden Lake are closed at this time. This closure does not include FSR 268 or 1535.
The report sent out by the management team says that today’s operations will include demobilization of personnel and equipment backhaul.
Location: In Nettleton Gulch, south of Canfield Butte, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Incident Command: North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team, Mike McManus, I.C.
Estimated Size: 23 acres Containment: 100% Total Personnel: 85
Resources on Scene: 1 engine, 2 hand crews, and 1 water tender
The Nettleton Gulch Fire is now 100% contained, and this is the final update. Friday’s operations will include demobilization of personnel and equipment backhaul. Suppression repair efforts are also underway today, with a focus on minimizing the impact of firefighting efforts and returning the impacted area to its natural state.
Therapy dogs help firefighters responding to wildfire near Canfield Mountain
KXLY, 7-3-25
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- The wildfire burning near the Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene is now 75% contained.
The Idaho Department of Lands said crews continued to mop up the 23-acre Nettleton Gulch fire Thursday and worked to put out any remaining hot spots.
IDL says the circumstances surrounding this incident led to the need for resources to help reduce stress levels within the crews. Therapy dogs were out with fire crews the past two days, allowing crews to decompress and connect before heading onto their shift.
All U.S. Forest Service lands, roads, and trails west of Fernan Road (FSR 268), all FS lands, roads, and trails west of FSR 1525 and south of Yellow Banks Creek, and all FS lands roads, and trails south of Hayden Lake are closed for firefighter safety and access. The closure does not include FSR 268 or 1535.
Gov. Brad Little proclaimed Wednesday “Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day” to honor the lives of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison.
The men were shot and killed in what local officials described as an ambush Sunday afternoon on Canfield Mountain.
“Without this skilled workforce in Idaho we wouldn’t be able to combat the continued threat of wildfire,” Little said.
Firefighters Continue Work on Nettleton Gulch Fire Near Coeur d’Alene
Dailyfly, 7-2-25
COEUR D’ALENE, ID — The Nettleton Gulch Fire remains active south of Canfield Butte near Coeur d’Alene, holding at approximately 38 acres as of Wednesday morning, July 2. The fire is currently 15% contained, with around 100 personnel assigned to the incident.
Crews are focused on widening containment lines and mopping up remaining hotspots. Firefighters are also monitoring for weather shifts, with wind and potential thunderstorms forecasted. Two Type-1 helicopters are on standby to assist with water drops if conditions worsen.
The fire is located in steep, forested terrain with numerous hazards, including fire-weakened trees, snags, and falling rocks. Falling modules are working to reduce snag-related risks throughout the day.
Nettleton Gulch Fire reaches 50% containment as crews shift focus to mop-up efforts
CBS2, 7-2-25
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Nettleton Gulch Fire, located south of Canfield Butte, has reached 50% containment, with forward progression halted, according to the North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Incident Commander Mike McManus reported that the fire, which spans 23 acres, is being managed by 138 personnel, including four engines, four hand crews, and four water tenders. Two Type 1 helicopters are on standby.
"Falling modules have mitigated a lot of the snag risk along the fire, which has allowed for safer access to the fire edge," said McManus. Crews are now in the mop-up phase, working to extinguish hot spots with water and hand tools. Weather conditions, particularly potential gusty winds, will be closely monitored through tomorrow.
Firefighters gain ground on Nettleton Gulch Fire near Coeur d'Alene
KHQ, 7-1-25
UPDATE: July 1 at 6:40 p.m.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Fire crews have made progress in containing the 38-acre Nettleton Gulch Fire.
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) announced crews have established 15% containment, with no evacuations or structures at risk.
Crews are working diligently to install hose lays along the fire's edge to improve access to water and increase containment, IDL said in a release.
UPDATE: July 1 at 12:51 p.m.
The Nettleton Gulch Fire, reported on June 29, 2025, has expanded to 38 acres with 0% containment, according to the North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Mike McManus. The growth is attributed to better mapping of the fire's footprint.
UPDATE: July 1 at 6:40 p.m.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Fire crews have made progress in containing the 38-acre Nettleton Gulch Fire.
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) announced crews have established 15% containment, with no evacuations or structures at risk.
Crews are working diligently to install hose lays along the fire's edge to improve access to water and increase containment, IDL said in a release.
IDL crews fighting 38-acre wildfire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene
KREM2, 7-1-25
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Lands is fighting a wildfire near Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene on Sunday evening.
IDL says crews were unable to reach the fire when it first sparked around 1:40 p.m. due to an active shooter incident in the area at the time.
Two firefighters with the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue who initially responded to the fire were killed by the shooter and another was critically injured, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.
"It's very tragic event, a devastating event that has been at the back of everyone's mind when we're out there fighting fire," said Mary Fritz with IDL. "This is a close community, and it's been difficult. It's been difficult. But we have a job ahead of us."
IDL says the Nettleton Gulch Road Fire has burned 38 acres as of 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
The man accused of killing 2 Idaho firefighters had once aspired to be one
Post Register, 7-1-25
COEUR D’ALENE — A 20-year-old man’s life appeared to have begun to unravel in the months before authorities say he fatally shot two firefighters and severely wounded a third as they responded to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene.
Wess Roley was living out of his vehicle and his former roommate, T.J. Franks Jr., said he shaved off his long hair and started to “kind of go downhill.” The two lived together for about six months in Sandpoint until Roley moved out in January, Franks said Monday.
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By Monday afternoon, the fire was “reasonably contained,” and responders had “stopped significant forward progress,” Way said. The Idaho Department of Lands said it had burned about 26 acres.
Estimated Size: 23 acres Containment: 75% Total Personnel: 93
Resources on Scene: 3 engines, 2 hand crews, and 3 water tenders
Today’s operations included continuing mop up and demobilization of personnel and excess equipment backhaul. As mop up continued today, crews worked in from the fire’s edge to extinguish remaining hot spots with water and hand tools.
Firefighting is widely considered to be a close-knit community where losses reverberate and are felt deeply among many. The circumstances surrounding this incident necessitated resources to reduce the effects of stress on crews and staff. Today, fire crews and IMT staff had the opportunity to debrief and receive counsel from a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. CISM teams offer confidential support to help individuals and groups cope with and recover from difficult experiences. Therapy dogs were present during the last two operational days of this fire, allowing crews to decompress and connect before heading to the fire line for their shifts.
