Wildfire Alert: Sunset Fire – Current as of 9:00 AM PT on 8/16/2025

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 08/16/2025 10:03 AM MDT

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Sunset Fire remains at 2,700 Acres

Overnight, engine crews actively patrolled the fire perimeter, extinguishing hotspots, and providing structure protection throughout the fire focusing efforts within the Talache Road and Butler Creek areas.

Today's cooler and wetter weather will offer firefighters a chance to make progress building fireline. Forest fuels remain dry, as the recent rainfall was not sufficient to significantly change fuel conditions.

Dozer line has been completed along the southern flanks, with hose lays in place to supply water for mop-up operations. Crews will continue to improve and strengthen these containment lines.

On the western and northern flanks, hotshot crews will work to establish firelines in the very steep terrain. Aerial resources are assisting all firefighting efforts, including water and retardant drops to support crews on the ground. Structure protection teams will be actively assessing properties along Talache Road and Butler Creek, implementing point protection measures where needed. Additional crews have been assigned to reinforce work in this area. From the lakeshore, watercraft are being used to supply water to cool active flames.

The fire is actively burning in heavy timber and steep terrain making footing for ground forces treacherous with current weather conditions.

Currently, 295 personnel are assigned to the Sunset Fire.

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.

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

Photo: Eric Valliquette, Idaho Department of Lands

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Sunset Fire Information

208-990-1881

2025.sunset@firenet.gov

20250816_view from boat of Sunset Fire along lakeshore.jpg

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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