Current News Coverage
First responders offer message of unity during 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Coeur d'Alene Press, 9-12-25
Several North Idaho firefighters, many of them in full turnouts, climbed 111 flights of stairs in Wallace on Thursday as part of the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
WALLACE — Over the past nine years, the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb has grown from a quiet, two-person tribute into an annual event that draws more than 100 participants from across the region.
Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel gathered Thursday morning near the Wallace Pool to mark 24 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, honoring the brave men and women who ran toward danger as others fled.
Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 Chief John Miller, one of the original two participants, shared how the climb began.
“I was a senior in high school on Sept. 11,” Miller said. “I remember the day really well, but I was still real young and didn’t quite grasp it. Then I did a stair climb in Denver, and as a firefighter, it really opened my eyes.”
After that experience, Miller invited a few others to join him the following year. Soon, wildland firefighters from the Idaho Department of Lands came aboard, followed by agencies from across the Panhandle. As interest grew, Miller began receiving requests from community members who wanted to participate.
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IDL taking public comment on Rules for Encroachments on Navigable Lakes
Coeur d'Alene Press, 9-11-25
The Idaho Department of Lands is inviting the public to provide input on the Proposed Rule IDAPA 20.03.04, Rules for the Regulation of Beds, Waters and Airspace over Navigable Lakes in the State of Idaho.
This rule protects the state’s navigable lakes by setting standards for encroachments, IDL said in a release.
Encroachments include facilities used to support watercraft as well as any structures "constructed on, in, or above the beds or waters of a navigable lake,” according to IDL's website.
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For a third time, Teton County, Idaho, commissioners punt decision on Tetonia land sale
Jackson Hole News & Guide, 9-10-25
The Teton County, Idaho, commissioners on Monday failed to reach consensus in a third meeting about a proposed sale of state trust land in Tetonia.
Commissioner Dan Powers thinks that the commission should object to the sale.
Commission Chair Brad Wolfe is torn between representing constituents’ opposition to the sale and his own feeling that it’s a smart business decision on the state’s part.
Commissioner Ron James believes it is the state’s right to decide to choose what to do with the parcel.
“This could go on forever,” Wolfe said, proposing a fourth discussion on the matter. “But if there’s any way possible we could become united I want to.”
Each county commissioner has already composed a letter on the sale and each will write another letter this week incorporating all three positions to be discussed, tweaked and agreed upon during a special session Friday. The commission is required to submit comment to the state by Sept. 19.
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Geologic Hydrogen Exploration in Idaho: Koloma’s Groundbreaking Test Wells
Hydrogen Fuel News, 9-10-25
Introduction: A Big Splash in Geologic Hydrogen
At a moment when everyone’s buzzing about geologic hydrogen and its role in the future of energy, Koloma is jumping right in. I’m Dr. Angie Bergenson, and honestly, this early-stage pilot in rural Canyon County, Idaho feels like a game changer. With a cool $400 million from backers like Amazon, United Airlines, and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Koloma isn’t messing around. Their goal? Tap into natural hydrogen stored deep underground and kickstart the clean energy transition.
Why Idaho? Basalt, Boron and Big Potential
You might be asking: Why Idaho—specifically those basalt fields around Notus? Well, volcanic basalt is loaded with iron and other minerals, setting the stage for natural hydrogen exploration when water meets rock. Idaho ticks all the boxes:
- Thick basalt layers that could trap hydrogen in commercial quantities.
- A history of volcanic activity that jump-starts the right chemical reactions.
- Close enough to industrial hubs in Nampa and Caldwell for easy distribution.
If Koloma’s test wells show good flow rates and purity, these basalt formations might be the secret ingredient for scalable Idaho hydrogen wells.
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Idaho Takes Lead in U.S. Wildfire Resilience by Adopting OroraTech Satellite-Based Detection Technology
GlobeNewswire, 9-10-25
New technology delivers real-time intelligence to help firefighters protect lives and property from wildfire
BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Idaho Department of Lands has partnered with OroraTech USA to become the first in the nation to deploy a statewide satellite-based wildfire detection and monitoring system, giving dispatch centers and firefighters a powerful new tool to protect Idaho’s landscapes, communities, and economy.
This initiative will integrate OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform, which uses public and proprietary satellites equipped with advanced thermal imaging to detect heat anomalies and emerging fires in near real time. By providing fire location, intensity, and predicted spread within minutes, the system enables faster, more informed decisions during critical wildfire situations.
“By partnering with the Idaho Department of Lands, we’re ensuring that firefighters across the state have access to the most advanced wildfire intelligence available,” said Thomas Gruebler, CEO of OroraTech USA. “With the ability to detect wildfire ignitions that are the size of a small automobile, we are giving Idaho’s first responders every possible advantage in protecting lives, property, and the land that defines this great state.”
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County burn ban lifted - controlled burn permits may be activated
Teton Valley News, 9-10-25
Teton County has rescinded its burn ban, following a similar move by the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center, as of September 4. Teton County Fire and Rescue will activate controlled burn permits when they are called into dispatch, following the instructions on Teton County Fire and Rescue’s website (https://www.tetoncountyfire.org/burn-permit-information). The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has no alerts in place as of September 8, but Fire Danger Status is High.
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Burn bans and fire prevention orders may still be in place in some areas. Burn bans pertain to controlled burning activities such as debris burning, slash burning, or agricultural burning, and require a fire safety burn permit from Idaho Department of Lands. Visit http://burnpermits.idaho.gov/ for more information.”
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Annual WBCSD fire prevention poster contest set
Bonner County Daily Bee, 9-10-25
First- through fifth-grade students in West Bonner County are invited to participate in the annual Smokey Bear–Woodsy Owl Poster Contest.
The local contest is sponsored by the Priest Lake Forest Service and the Priest Lake office of the Idaho Department of Lands, with additional support from the Bonner County Fire Prevention Co-op and the Moscow Garden Club. National Garden Club support is provided by the Rosalia Garden Club.
Homeschoolers are welcome. Invitations and information are available at the Priest River and Priest Lake libraries. Entries must be completed by Nov. 17.
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Is Idaho the future of a new clean energy source? This company hopes so
Idaho Statesman, 9-9-25
Idaho could be the next frontier in clean energy, according to a startup that recently got approval to move forward in its exploration for the commodity.
Koloma, a natural hydrogen company that does business in Idaho as Cascade Exploration, is looking for naturally occurring underground hydrogen gas in Canyon County. It has submitted applications for two test wells near Notus, one of which has been endorsed for approval by the Idaho Department of Lands.
If approved, the permits would allow the company to analyze the subsurface with sonic waves and drilling. The company has yet to disclose financial details of the projects, and so far has requested drilling on small footprints totaling 280 acres.
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Commissioners delay decision on letter to state until Friday for Driggs 160
Teton News, 9-8-25
The Teton County Commissioners chose to, again, move their decision to another meeting before sending a letter that conveys the unified opinion of the board to the Idaho Department of Lands on the potential sale of the parcel referred to as the Driggs 160, located near Tetonia.
During the IDL meeting in July, this parcel came up and permission to sell the parcel was approved without notice to Nick Beard, a multi-generational rancher who currently has a 20-year lease on the property where he runs his cattle. The lease has seven more years remaining. For the past month, the commissioners’ meetings and emails have been filled with public comment and input on whether the county should oppose the potential sale of the parcel or not.
The state attended the county meeting nearly a month ago to inform the county of the parcel and the plans of the state to sell it. The parcel came to the state’s attention because a landowner, believed to be Thomas Tull, went to the state and wanted to buy the property. As an isolated piece of their puzzle of lands, and wanting to get the most out of a property they lease for $900 a year, the state proposed the sale of the land and got permission and then came to the county. They requested the county give a recommendation or input—something a few public comments in favor of the sale stated was not the county’s business. However, because the state did ask for the county’s opinion, the board has been working towards coming up with a letter that each of them would be willing to sign—each of the commissioners reflected different opinions though and three letters were presented on Monday during their meeting.
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Wildfire Related News
Small Smoldering Fire On Moscow Mt.
Pullman Radio, 9-11-25
Idaho Department of Lands and Moscow Rural Volunteer Firefighters responded to a small fire on Moscow Mountain Thursday morning.
The fire was discovered on the South slope of the peak and may have been sparked by lightning. The smoldering fire is about a half-acre. IDL crews stayed on scene to extinguish the flames.
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Sage Brush Fire contained near Athol
Fox28, 9-11-25
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) reported that after reaching a size of 47 acres, the Sage Brush Fire has been 100% contained.
Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire, which ignited about 3 miles northeast of Athol.
According to the IDL, crews will continue mop-up operations throughout the next few days, working to put out any remaining spot fires and extinguish all burning material from the fire’s perimeter inward.
The public was urged to continue avoiding trails and roads where fire crews are working.
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Crews make progress on N. Idaho fires
Bonner County Daily Bee, 9-11-25
SANDPOINT — Fire crews made significant progress on the Sage Brush Fire as crews completed a fireline around the fire's perimeter using handline and plumbed hose, Idaho Department of Lands officials said.
The fire is burning in timber understory and grass on rocky terrain. Idaho Department of Lands employed unmanned aerial systems to map the fire, which is estimated at 47 acres.
Reported early Monday afternoon, the fire briefly forced the evacuation of residents along several roads in the Athol area and prompted others to prepare as a precaution.
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New fires reported east of Lake Pend Oreille
Sandpoint Reader, 9-10-25
A series of new fires broke out on the east side of Lake Pend Oreille after a thunder and lightning storm passed through the area.
The Green Rattle Complex includes several fires around the Green Monarch Mountains, which started from lightning strikes between Aug. 29 and Sept. 2.
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Idaho Department of Lands sent an alert about the Sage Brush fire, which started on Sept. 8 and has burned approximately 47 acres northeast of Athol. The fire is burning in timber understory and grass on rocky terrain. About 100 personnel are onsite building machine and hand lines around the fire to stop it from advancing further. As of press time, the Sage Brush fire was listed at 65% contained and all evacuation orders have been lifted in preparation for the “mop-up” operations starting Thursday, Sept. 11.
The Lightning Creek fire, which was reported on July 30, is listed at 25% containment, having burned more than 2,500 acres about nine miles north of Clark Fork.
The Sunset fire, which started on Aug. 13 and has burned more 3,100 acres near Athol, has been listed as 100% contained and all evacuation notices have been rescinded.
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Crews respond to grass fire south of Genesee; multiple agencies respond
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 9-10-25
According to a Facebook post from the department, the fire started at 2:20 p.m. near the top of the grade. Crews were able to battle the fire from both the ground and the air, and with the assistance of the Genesee Fire Department, Nez Perce Tribal fire department, Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, Moscow Rural Fire Department and Idaho Department of Lands, the fire was contained.
The fire, named the Wiley Fire, was estimated at 6.7 acres According to Watch Duty, a fire-tracking website and app.
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Crews gain ground on area fires
Coeur d'Alene Press, 9-10-25
SANDPOINT — Cooler temperatures and increased humidity helped crews gain a handle on the Sage Brush Fire.
Reported early Monday afternoon, the fire briefly forced the evacuation of residents along several roads in the Athol area and prompted others to prepare as a precaution. The evacuation advisory was downgraded Monday evening, with residents on roads near the fire — located 3 miles north of Athol — placed on “Ready” status instead.
Under the Ready-Set-Go evacuation protocols, “Ready” means residents should have an evacuation plan in place. If conditions worsen, they move to “Set” status, which means they should begin implementing that plan. If the situation becomes critical, “Go” status is issued, meaning residents must evacuate immediately and head to safety.
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Level 1 (Get Ready!) evacuations in place for a fire burning northeast of Athol
ATHOL, Idaho — The Bonner County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) has ordered evacuations for the Sage Brush Fire that is burning about three miles northeast of Athol. It has burned 47 acres as of Tuesday at noon. The fire is also 30% contained as of Tuesday afternoon.
Level 1 (Get Ready!) evacuations are in place for the following areas:
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Containment increases for growing wildfire burning near Athol; evacuations still in place
KXLY, 9-9-25
UPDATE at 8 p.m. on September 9: The Idaho Department of Lands says all evacuations have been lifted for a wildfire near Athol.
As of the latest update, the Sage Brush Fire northeast of Athol is 47 acres and 65% contained.
IDL says some roads in the fire area could close temporarily on Wednesday for firefighter safety while crews work to mop up the fire.
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ATHOL, Idaho -- Firefighters are making progress on a growing wildfire burning near Athol on Tuesday afternoon, according to Bonner County Sheriff's Office.
The "Sage Brush Fire" burning about 3 miles northeast of Athol is currently burning on about 47 acres, which is equal to 35.5 football fields, and is 30% contained.
BCSO said cooler temperatures and humidity overnight helped crews with suppression efforts.
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Athol brush fire prompts evacuations
Coeur d'Alene Press, 9-9-25
SANDPOINT — Residents along a handful of roads near Athol were advised to leave their homes Monday afternoon due to a brush fire.
The fire was first reported at about 1:25 p.m., according to Idaho Department of Lands officials. Now estimated at between 10-15 acres, IDL officials said its crews are on scene, including nine engines, four single-engine "scooper" planes, an air attack unit and four hand crews.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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Evacuation orders downgraded for Sage Brush Fire near Athol
KHQ, 9-8-25
Evacuation orders have been downgraded to Level 1 "Get Ready".'
The Bonner County Sheriff's Office had previously issued evacuation orders for several roads near the blaze.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire has burned 40 acres so far.
An evacuation center has been set up at Real Life Ministries in Athol for those affected.
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Hunters: Keep the Wild in the Wilderness, Not in Flames!
Posted Sept. 12, 2025
SHARE THIS POST NOW ON FACEBOOK
#FirePreventionFriday tip for the season- warming fires need to be fully extinguished with water and cold to the touch before you leave camp for that great day of hunting.
Don’t let your oversight become someone else’s disaster. Wildfire prevention is all of our responsibility. Enjoy the great wild places Idaho has to offer- and protect them for the future generations.
#FirePreventionJen #Together4Idaho #CreateMemoriesNotDisasters
@BLMIdahoFire
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