July 29, 2007 in Idaho

In brief: Homes evacuated due to wildfire

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About 10 homes near Athol remained evacuated Saturday evening following a wildfire along U.S. Highway 95.

The blaze, which started about 2 p.m. Saturday, was completely contained, said Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management Director Sandy Von Behren. About 40 acres of grass, brush and trees were burned east of the highway between Athol Baptist Church and Parks Road. No structures were damaged.

A 10-mile stretch of U.S. 95 was closed for a couple of hours as water and retardant were dropped on the fire by the state Department of Lands.

Von Behren said the homes remained evacuated because of concerns that winds could cause the fire to flare.

“It was a very aggressive attack,” Von Behren said, while watching crews mop up the charred area near Remington Road. “That kept it contained to a small area.”

Crews planned to stay in the area overnight to ensure the fire doesn’t flare up.

“It’s still dry and windy,” she said.

Investigators believe the fire likely started along Highway 95, but the cause remains under investigation, Von Behren said.

– Staff reports

Spirit Lake

Driver killed in rollover crash

A Spirit Lake man was killed Saturday when his car went off the road and hit a tree, the Idaho State Police said.

Jerek R. Crider, 23, died at the scene of the crash, which was reported at 12:48 p.m.

According to an ISP press release, Crider was southbound on state Highway 41 between Spirit Lake and Blanchard when he drove off the right shoulder of the road. His 2007 Subaru rolled several times before hitting a tree, the ISP said.

– Staff reports

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