Low overnight temperatures help firefighters gain containment on Moscow blaze

A fire near Moscow is now partially contained thanks to cooler overnight temperatures.

The Idler Fire, 3 miles north of Moscow, was 25% contained as of Wednesday morning, according to the Idaho Department of Lands. The fire had no reported containment Tuesday.

Overnight temperatures in the low 30s helped add more moisture into nearby fuels. Firefighters hoped to finish installing more than 8,000 feet of hose, along with other water delivery equipment, on Wednesday morning. Air resources will remain available to drop water on hot spots if needed, the Department of Lands said.

More precise mapping overnight also reduced the reported size of the fire to 116 acres, with the fire footprint remaining the same for over 24 hours.

The fire destroyed one house and another structure after forcing evacuations Monday afternoon.

All evacuation orders in the area have been rescinded, but the Latah County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents to be ready to leave if conditions change.

People driving in the area should be cautious as fire equipment and fire crews remain on the roads, the Department of Lands said.