Current News Coverage
A Smokey Bear welcome
Coeur d'Alene Press, 7-24-25
HAYDEN — When Tammy Pearson and Karen Hayes formed the East of Hayden Lake Firewise Community in 2021, there were 15 homes participating to protect them from wildfires.
Now there are 300 homes covering more than 1,800 acres making up the Firewise group.
As part of their interest in public safety, a new fire danger level sign was unveiled Wednesday at the intersection of Upper and Lower Hayden Lake roads.
Special guest Smokey Bear arrived to applause when he joined the celebration.
Northern Lakes Fire District Fire Marshal Tyler Drechsel said the group came to them and said it would be nice to have fire danger signs on the north side and south side of Hayden Lake.
"We reached out to our friends, the Idaho Department of Lands,” Drechsel said.
IDL fire prevention officer Jennifer Russell said the fire prevention program offers opportunities to host similar signs like the new one in Hayden.
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Orofino to host ‘Capital for a Day’ this Thursday, July 24
Clearwater Tribune, 7-23-25
Orofino will be recognized as Idaho's "Capital For A Day" this Thursday, July 24. To mark the occasion, Governor Brad Little and his team will host two public sessions at the Best Western Lodge at River's Edge Conference Room, 615 Main Street.
These sessions aim to provide citizens with an opportunity to voice their opinions and celebrate Orofino's designation. The morning session will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a lunch break. The afternoon session will run from 1:15 to 3 p.m.
Officials joining Governor Little include:
Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt
Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller
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Central Idaho Dispatch Zone increases fire danger to ‘very high’
Idaho Capital Press, 7-23-25
The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone, which includes the Salmon-Challis National Forest, elevated its fire danger to “very high” this week, U.S. Forest Service officials announced.
In a press release issued Monday, Forest Service officials said hot weather and dry fuel conditions led them to elevate the fire danger.
“In Very High fire danger, fires can start from most causes,” Forest Service officials said. “The fires can spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity, right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls.”
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State officials say trash can with hot ashes started Idaho’s Clover Fire
Officials with the Idaho Department of Lands announced Tuesday they worked with the Idaho State Fire Marshal to determine that a trash can filled with hot ashes was responsible for starting the Clover Fire that ignited July 13 in Boundary County near Naples, Idaho.
“Heat from the bottom of the metal can caused grass underneath the can to ignite and strong winds quickly carried the fire,” Idaho Department of Lands officials wrote in a press release issued late Monday afternoon.
Before it was contained, the Clover Fire threatened structures and led to evacuations that affected about 30 residences, the Sun previously reported.
Under Idaho law, the state is allowed to recover actual costs of extinguishing a fire from anyone deemed responsible for that fire.
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Billionaire knocking as Idaho governor, officials vote to auction Teton Valley ranch land
Jackson Hole News & Guide, 7-23-24
TETONIA, IDAHO — Nick Beard’s dad began leasing 160 acres of state land near their Tetonia home in 1992, when Beard was 5 years old. Beard, a fifth-generation homesteader, helped his dad fence the perimeter of the parcel — a two-year undertaking.
“We walked every section of this, pounded every post, strung every wire, put every clip by hand,” Beard said Monday evening, surveying the property as a light rain rolled in over the Tetons.
But, last Tuesday, the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners unanimously voted to put the parcel, known as Driggs 160, up for auction. A local landowner — state officials won’t say who — expressed interest in the land and the department found that selling it would maximize the financial returns for the beneficiaries of state land, in this case, the state’s charitable institutions fund. The parcel is bordered on two sides by the sprawling estate of Thomas Tull, a billionaire who owns at least 8,000 acres of land in Teton County, Idaho with a total value of nearly $100 million, according to the county’s land records. Tull, a financier and founder of a film production company, helped bankroll “The Dark Knight,” the second movie in director Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy.
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C-PTPA responded to six fires between July 13 and July 19 with assistance from Idaho Department of Lands Ponderosa engine with Initial Attack on the Cedar Larch fire.
CTS-366 Fords Structure 0.1 acres declared out.
CTS-371 Sourdough 0.1 acres declared out.
CTS-383 Bear 0.1 acres declared out.
CTS-384 Cedar Larch 0.25 acres declared out.
CTS-389 Bed Bug 0.25 acres declared out.
CTS-395 Johnson Powerline 1.0 acres controlled.
C-PTPA Resources assisted with the Cherry Fire north of Deary.
LETTER: Thanks, emergency crews
Idaho County Free Press, 7-23-25
Sincere, heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the BPC Rural Fire Department, Dept. of Lands fire crew and the phenomenal aerial support and all who responded to the fire on my ranch, which was the result of one of the many thunderstorms we experienced earlier this month. Of course, this fire was located in an area that was only accessible on foot; however, this did not deter these firefighters. Aerial support jumped on this fire immediately and along with ground crew, they did not allow this fire to grow and it was contained immediately with no injuries and minimal land damage.
Also on scene was the QRU Clearwater Ambulance to provide medical assistance if needed and provide hydration products and water to firefighters, making sure they all remained hydrated.
Thanks again to all who responded, the majority of whom are volunteers. God bless you all.
Mary Ann Blees
IDL begins expanded spongy moth trapping effort
Bonner County Daily Bee, 7-22-25
SANDPOINT, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Lands has placed around 130 traps in the trees of the Sandpoint area, in the hopes of ascertaining the level of threat posed by some very hungry caterpillars.
The traps are a part of the expanded effort on behalf of the department to capture an invasive species, called the spongy moth. Last year, a single European spongy moth was found in Sandpoint for the first time in 30 years at the intersection of Oak Street and Division Avenue.
“At this point, with what we know today, there is not a cause for alarm,” Erik Bush, Sandpoint’s urban forester, said. “It’s basically the system working ... fingers crossed, we find out it’s just a one-off.”
The spongy moth is most dangerous in its caterpillar phase, when it mainly eats leaves of trees, especially oak trees. While one caterpillar doesn’t pose a threat, a large group of spongy moth caterpillars has the ability to completely defoliate trees, leaving them weak or killing them.
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Naples fire caused by hot ashes in trash can, IDL says
KHQ, 7-22-25
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho – The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), along with the Idaho State Fire Marshal, announced the Clover Fire in Naples was sparked by a metal trash can containing hot ashes.
The fire, which started on July 13, ignited the grass beneath the can, and strong winds spread the flames quickly.
The state can recover costs for controlling or extinguishing fires from those found responsible, according to a release by the IDL.
The process for seeking reimbursement includes notifying the responsible party of the investigation findings, determining fire suppression costs, and sending an invoice.
If issues remain unresolved, IDL may pursue litigation, the release added.
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Sandpoint FD suspends burn permit applications
Bonner County Daily Bee, 7-22-25
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Fire Department announced that it will not be accepting any new burning permits due to a “high” fire danger status issued by the Idaho Department of Lands on July 18.
The National Interagency Fire Center is predicting a severe fire season for Idaho through September following a dry spring season and the hotter than average summer temperatures. While Bonner County has avoided major fires for now, Sandpoint’s Fire Chief, Gavin Gilcrease, said that current conditions leave it vulnerable.
“There’s not a burn ban in the state, but just out of extra precaution we just shifted over to no more burn permits,” Gilcrease said. “It’s so dry out there and we’ve had some pretty high winds so that was another one of the reasons we decided to go with the suspension.”
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Idaho Business Review, 7-21-25
Three properties in McCall on Payette Lake were put up for auction on July 18, however there were no bids on any of the properties.
The properties are held by the Idaho Department of Lands and the agency could not say why there was no interest in them at Friday’s auction.
Land for the properties is held in trust by IDL for the benefit of State Hospital South, and, thus far, 161 cottage-site properties have been sold at auction at Payette Lake, the agency stated in a release. Thirteen sites remain, and all have houses on them. Though the land belongs to the trust, cabins and other improvements made to the land are owned by leaseholders as their personal property.
Bids were started at the reserve or “lot only” price of each lot with the property at 1903 Warren Wagon Road in McCall appraised at $451,000; the property at 2060 Warren Wagon Road at $495,000; and the property at 3800 Warren Wagon Road at $3.25 million.
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Firefighters fully contain wildfire burning in Latah County
KXLY, 7-21-25
DEARY, Idaho -- Firefighters have gained 100% containment on a small wildfire burning in Latah County.
According to Idaho Department of Lands, the Cherry Fire has burned about 100 acres northeast of Deary.
Firefighters will remain on scene Monday to mop-up any hot spots.
IDL says excess firefighters will be released to work on other wildfires around the region.
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Fire Near Deary Fully Contained; Management Transitions to Local Authorities
DailyFly, 7-21-25
DEARY, ID – The Cherry Fire, located one mile northeast of Deary, has reached full containment at 113 acres, officials announced Monday morning. Management of the fire is now transitioning from the North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team to the local Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Pondarosa supervisory office.
Although the fire is 100% contained, it is not yet declared out. Firefighters will remain on site to conduct mop-up operations, focusing on extinguishing lingering heat sources, particularly those in deep logging slash. These efforts are critical to preventing possible reignition, say officials.
With containment achieved, excess equipment and personnel are being released for potential deployment to new or emerging wildfires across the region.
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Official investigation finds Blue Lake RV Resort liable for Clover Fire
Bonners Ferry Herald, 7-23-25
NAPLES — A 30-acre wildfire that scorched multiple properties and caused millions of dollars in damage was ignited by a campground worker disposing of firepit ash, according to Idaho Department of Lands officials.
On July 13, a groundskeeper at Blue Lake RV Resort was traveling from campsite to campsite collecting ash in a metal garbage can to be dumped, said Rodney Weeks, Idaho Department of Lands fire investigation program manager. When the can was set down, heat from the bottom caused grass underneath to ignite, and strong winds quickly carried the fire to nearby properties, according to a July 22 IDL press release.
Now, the resort’s owners, Nick Larson and his mother, Liz Waitinas, face a steep financial reckoning.
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Gov. Little and his administration to take over Orofino Thursday
Lewiston Tribune, 7-21-25
OROFINO — The seat of Clearwater County will double as the center of Idaho government Thursday during a visit from Gov. Brad Little and his “Capital for a Day” tour.
Starting at 10 a.m. Little and members of his cabinet will operate out of the Best Western Lodge at River’s Edge on 615 Main Street in Orofino.
According to a news release, the directors of the departments of Agriculture, Lands, Parks and Recreation, Health and Welfare, and Transportation will be on hand, as will representatives from the departments of Fish and Game, Insurance Bureau and Environmental Quality.
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Fire crews contain wildfire burning north of Deary, Idaho
KXLY, 7-20-25
LATAH COUNTY, Idaho — Fire crews are working to contain a wildfire burning near Deary, Idaho on Sunday afternoon, according to Idaho Department of Lands.
The Cherry Fire broke out on July 15, about one mile northeast of Deary on state endowment lands and a portion of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.
On Sunday, IDL said the fire was 80% contained and holding at about 113 acres, or about 0.17 square miles.
Crews have established fire lines and are transitioning to mop up. IDL said it does not expect the fire to spread and that no hot spots remain.
IDL said it expects crews to fully contain the fire on Sunday.
Brush Creek Road is closed to allow for fire crew traffic.
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Cherry Fire near Deary 80% contained, crews focus on repairs
Fox28, 7-20-25
The Cherry Fire near Deary has been reported to remain at 113 acres and is now 80% contained. Firefighting crews are currently shifting their efforts towards mop-up and suppression repair activities.
Crews are working on restoring dozer lines and roads to prevent erosion. Heavy equipment is being demobilized as full containment is expected to be achieved today.
The focus on repairs aims to mitigate the environmental impact and ensure the area is stabilized. Community members are encouraged to stay informed about fire containment efforts and any potential impacts on local roads and infrastructure.
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Pushing Through the Heat: Cherry Fire Firefighters Achieve 40% Containment
Big Country News, 7-19-25
Location: One mile northeast of Deary, Idaho
Incident Command: Type 3 North Idaho Incident Management Team, Mike McManus, I.C.
Estimated Size: 113 acres Containment: 40% Total Personnel: 184
DEARY – The Cherry Fire, located about one mile northeast of Deary, is holding at 113 acres with containment now at 40%. No structures are threatened. The fire is burning primarily in heavy logging slash within an active state endowment timber sale, and a small portion of the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest.
Instability of burned log decks, ash pits, snags, and stump holes is among the hazards crews continue to deal with during mop-up operations.
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Fuel Tank Explosion Starts Lewiston Hill Ablaze
KOZE, 7-18-25
A work pickup truck caught fire this morning at about 11:00 on Highway 95, nearly at the top of the Lewiston Hill. Nez Perce County Fire Chief Patrick Showers says while he was working to put it out, the spare fuel tank in the back of the pickup exploded, rocketing the pickup backward about 10 yards. The explosion sent sparks into the dry grass on the side of the roadway and up the side of the hill. Luckily, winds were low, keeping the fire moving slowly. When we spoke to Chief Showers he appeared to have been lightly singed in the explosion, but reports he’s ok. The driver was uninjured. Northbound traffic was stopped until firefighters had the fire mostly out.
Nez Perce County Fire was assisted by Genesee Fire, Nez Perce Tribal Fire, Idaho Department of Lands, and Peters and Keatts sent a truck full of water up the Lewiston Hill to refill the brush trucks.
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Firefighters Gain Ground on Cherry Fire Near Deary
KOZE, 7-18-25
The Cherry Fire, located about one mile northeast of Deary, is currently mapped at 113 acres with 10% containment. No structures are currently threatened. The fire is burning primarily in heavy logging slash within an active state endowment timber sale, and a small portion of the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forests.
Snagging operations continued yesterday, as sawyers worked in from the fires edge to mitigate hazard trees ahead of crews conducting mop up. Crews mop up from the fireline inward, eliminating areas of heat and smoldering material using water and hand tools. Elevated fire weather concerns are expected through tomorrow, with a Red Flag Warning for warm and dry conditions with gusty winds. The work put in by crews this week is critical to the continued holding of the fireline.
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Cherry Fire Reaches 10% Containment Near Deary, Crews Continue Mop-Up Efforts
DailyFly, 7-18-25
DEARY, ID – Firefighters made progress overnight on the Cherry Fire, which remains at 113 acres and has now reached 10% containment, according to the Idaho Department of Lands. The fire is located about one mile northeast of Deary and continues to burn in heavy logging slash within a state endowment timber sale and a portion of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
No structures are currently threatened.
On Thursday, saw crews continued removing hazard trees along the fire’s edge while ground crews advanced mop-up operations, working from the perimeter inward to eliminate remaining heat and smoldering material. All firelines have been established and are being reinforced with hose lines and water support.
Despite this progress, fire officials are preparing for increased fire weather concerns through Saturday. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect due to dry conditions, high temperatures, and gusty winds.
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Fire Prevention Jen unveils a new fire danger sign
Posted July 25, 2025
SHARE THIS POST NOW ON FACEBOOK
 Check out our very own #FirePreventionJen helping Hayden get fire-ready with a brand-new fire danger sign featuring none other than Smokey Bear!
From signs to school visits, Jen’s work is all about helping Idaho communities stay prepared and prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires.  
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