Wildfire Alert: Sunset Fire – Current as of 6:00 PM PT on 8/14/2025

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 08/14/2025 08:14 PM MDT

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Sunset Fire Grows to 1,600 Acres Northeast of Athol; Evacuations Expand

(ATHOL, Idaho – August 14, 2025- 6:00PM PT) – The Sunset Fire burning northeast of Athol has expanded to approximately 1,600 acres as of Thursday evening, more than doubling in size from the previous day. The fire is moving northeast and exhibiting extreme fire behavior with short crown runs through timber. Air resources are dropping water and retardant; however, dense smoke has at times limited the use of aviation assets. Air and ground firefighting crews continue to engage the fire directly where it is safe to do so. Firefighter and public safety is the number one priority.

Values at risk continue to be threatened and fire crews are assessing structures and implementing point protection where possible. The North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander, Mike McManus assumed command of the fire this afternoon.

Evacuation orders GO remain in place for residents on Raven Road, Crosswhite Road, Little Blacktail Road, and east of 2268 Sunset Road. These areas are under GO status, meaning residents should leave immediately. ADDITIONALLY- 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 south of Talache Rd.

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.

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.

Weather conditions have improved since Wednesday evening’s high winds, with cooler temperatures and lighter gusts, however steep and arduous terrain with limited road access continue to challenge firefighters. Officials are urging the public to avoid the fire area and respect road closures.

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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Media Contact: Jennifer Russell, PIOC

North Idaho IMT3

208-990-1881

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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