Campfires ignite new wildfires in North Idaho

Abandoned campfires started four new wildfires on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests last weekend.

One, named the “Lazy Camper Fire,” was reported near Priest Lake. The other three were on the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District.

“We can tell people how bad the fire danger is over and over, but some aren’t getting the message,” said Jason Kirchner, a Forest Service spokesman.

The small fires were quickly extinguished, but they underscore how dry the region remains, Kirchner said. Hunters and others who build warming fires need to make sure the fires are completely out before they leave the area.

The 24,000-acre Grizzly Complex fire, which was started by lightning strikes in August, continues to burn along the Coeur d’Alene River. Officials are expecting fire activity into November.

“It’s going to take more than a few light rains to make up for a year of missing precipitation,” Kirchner said.