Wildfire Alert: Sunset Fire – Current as of 6:00 PM PT on 8/15/2025

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 08/15/2025 07:26 PM MDT

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Acres increase on Sunset Fire successfully

Today, the Sunset Fire grew to 2,702 acres with the most activity along the northern perimeter. Hotshot crews, supported by aerial resources, worked to construct firelines in that area to slow its advance. The fire continues to burn in heavy timber and steep terrain.

Along the southern flank, crews focused on strengthening dozer lines and began installing hose lays to provide water at the fire’s edge. Night crews will continue line-building efforts.

Currently, 295 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Structures and other values at risk remain threatened. Structure protection groups are actively assessing areas along Talache Road and Butler Creek, implementing point protection where needed. Additional crews will be assigned to support work in this area.

The ordered Complex Incident Management Team will in brief tomorrow afternoon and begin shadowing the current organization to take over command.

Evacuation orders are in effect.

GO status, meaning residents should leave immediately. All residents on Raven Road, Crosswhite Road, Little Blacktail Road, and east of 2268 Sunset Road. USFS 630 off Blacktail Road (north of Blacktail), Butler Creek and Butler Creek Spur, from Mirror Lake, diagonal down to USFS 630, including Five Lakes Estates, Jupline Landing , the entire Ponderosa neighborhood and everything on Talache Rd. and all side streets feeding to Talache Rd. (highlights have been in addition to previously reported GO areas)

SET notices are in effect for homes on Blacktail Road a quarter-mile north of Little Blacktail, and everything north of Talache Road in Sagle. Residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

READY advisories remain for all residents on Blacktail Road north of the ¼ mile and for the community of Bayview in neighboring Kootenai County.

To receive the latest evacuation updates please sign up for Bonner County Nixel alerts via text. Text 888777 and enter your zip code.

An evacuation center has been opened at the Cocolalla Bible Camp to assist displaced residents. The Bonner County Fairgrounds are available to shelter evacuated livestock on a limited basis.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place that restricts all aircraft (including drones) from operating in the fire area without permission. If you fly we can’t!

Cooperating agencies include: Idaho Department of Lands, USDA Forest Service, Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple local rural and county fire departments and EMS.

The cause of the Sunset Fire remains under investigation.

#IDLfireinfo, #SunsetFire2025

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Sunset Fire Information

208-990-1881

2025.sunset@firenet.gov

Photo Credit: Eric Valliquette, Idaho Department of Lands

Most wildfires are caused by humans. Be part of the solution – learn how!

· Be aware of and follow all fire restrictions

· During closed burn season, before burning debris apply for a free burn permit – it’s the law

· Use campfires safely by staying clear of flammable debris and burning on mineral soil

· Maintain vehicles and OHVs properly – especially their tires - so you don’t spark a fire

· Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and cause a fire

· Never park over dry grass because hot exhaust systems can start a fire

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For the most current information about wildfires on land protected by the Idaho Department of Lands, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-news-feed/.

Idaho Department of Lands in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, provides fire suppression and prevention on 9.6 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland.

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