Fires:Quash Small Blazes

Sat., Aug. 12, 2000

Montana, Oregon and British Columbia in a three-hour period Thursday night, said meteorologist Lyle Hammer with the National Weather Service in Spokane.

There were at least 70 lightning strikes on the Idaho/Montana border, Hammer said.

“There was a tremendous amount,” he said.

Wind gusts of up to 20 mph hit Coeur d’Alene on Friday.

Three 20-person strike teams are on call in Coeur d’Alene if the fires get out of control. Local disaster services officials are preparing for a major outbreak. It could take two to three days before some fires caused by lightning are seen, Arenson said.

But a national waiting list for fire crews and equipment has local officials hoping they’re able to quickly quash the small blazes.

There’s already a demand for an additional 5,000 firefighters and 50 helicopters for fires burning in 11 Western states, Arneson said.

“Our resources are limited,” said Sandy Von Behren, with Kootenai County Disaster Services. “There’s just waiting lists for everything.”

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Fires:Quash Small Blazes

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

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