Fire suspected to be human-caused
<p>Firefighters prepare to climb a trail to aid in the efforts during a brush fire on Tubbs Hill Tuesday night in Coeur d’Alene. More than two dozen firefighters responded to the fire, about an acre in size, shortly before 7:30 p.m.</p>
<p>Flames climb a tree after a fire broke out on Tubbs Hill. Authorities believe the fire was human-caused.</p>
<p>Flames and smoke could be seen on Tubbs Hill from downtown Coeur d’Alene.</p>
<p>Flames leap between trees at the north end of Tubbs Hill in a Tuesday evening fire.</p>
Firefighters from multiple agencies battled an apparently human-caused wildfire Tuesday evening on Tubbs Hill.
The blaze was reported around 7:30, and with flames visible in the trees, it spread to about an acre.
Coeur d'Alene Fire, Northern Lakes Fire, the Idaho Department of Lands and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue all had personnel on scene, along with Coeur d'Alene Police Department.
It was the second fire at the popular downtown Coeur d'Alene recreation area in a month. Hundreds of people were forced off the hill on Saturday, June 20, after a roughly 1-acre wildfire ignited in dry and windy conditions.
That fire appeared to be caused by humans, and fire officials said the same about the Tuesday blaze.
It appeared the fire was contained at 10:44 p.m. and there were no injuries or structures damaged, but that could not be confirmed with fire officials before press time.
The following burn regulations are currently in force in Coeur d'Alene:
* All open wood burning activities including campfires are prohibited until further notice.
* Propane and charcoal barbecues are allowed if they are located on private property.
* Charcoal barbecues are allowed at designated grills inside city parks.
* Wood smokers are allowed if the fire is contained to the smoker unit.
Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect throughout the region.
State officials are considering closing public access to some state forest lands due to the extreme wildfire danger.