Idaho Wildfire Almost Controlled Authorities Believe 10-Acre Blaze Started By Person Just Off A Forest Service Road

Sun., July 25, 1999

By Zaz Hollander zazh@spokesman.com

After working through the night Friday, crews had a small wildfire above Hayden Lake almost under control late Saturday.

The 10-acre blaze was apparently human-caused, and authorities say they have identified where it started.

But reports that the fire was sparked by an abandoned campfire couldn’t be immediately confirmed, said Idaho Panhandle National Forests spokesman Ted Pettis.

All of the nine forest fires in the area this summer have been started by people, according to the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District.

The fire began just off Forest Road 437, a popular camping spot.

“Just about any wide spot turns out to be a camping spot for somebody around here,” Pettis said. More than 100 firefighters and two helicopters dropping water battled the blaze Saturday, focusing their attention on seven or eight small hot spots.

The Hayden Lake Fire Protection District was the first agency to respond after loggers reported the fire shortly after 1 p.m. Friday.

Officials expected to have the fire totally controlled late today, if winds don’t fan the flames. A crew of Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Forest Service workers are using chainsaws to clear deadfall and other debris from the area, said Pettis.

People camping or working in the woods need to use extreme caution, Forest Service officials said.

Fire danger is high due to recent hot, dry weather. Recommended precautions include spark arresters on chainsaws and safe-campfire rules, such as clearing the ground around the fire site and making sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.

People having campfires in undeveloped areas are required to have a shovel and one-gallon water bucket on hand.

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