Volunteers, fireboats help battle Sunset Fire
A helicopter drops a lot of water on the Sunset Fire on Thursday, Aug. 14.
Photo courtesy TODD WENDLE
A tree is seen consumed in flames in this photo taken by Sam Owen Fire Department's Todd Wendle of the Sunset Fire in southern Bonner County.
Photo courtesy TODD WENDLE
A fire boat shoots water onto the Sunset Fire on Thursday, Aug. 14.
Photo courtesy TODD WENDLE
The Sunset Fire is pictured burning along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in southern Bonner County.
Photo courtesy TODD WENDLE
A helicopter is seen silhouetted against the smoke as it readies to drop a lot of water on the Sunset Fire on Thursday, Aug. 14.
Photo courtesy TODD WENDLE
A plane drops a load of water onto the Sunset Fire on Thursday, Aug. 14.
Photo courtesy TODD WENDLE
A helicopter is pictured pulling water from Lake Pend Oreille on Thursday, Aug. 14, to drop onto the Sunset Fire.
Photo courtesy TODD WENDLE
We, personnel of volunteer fire departments, are asked what do we do all day? Well, here is a brief glimpse into a volunteer firefighter's day whose district is adjacent to one of our many waterways during a major forest fire. In Bonner County, Timberlake, Selkirk Fire, Sandpoint Fire and Sam Owen Fire all have fireboats as part of their fleet of firefighting apparatus.
Early afternoon of Aug. 14, 2025. The pager screeched to life. IDL (Idaho Department of Lands) is requesting Sandpoint and Sam Owen fire boats to help with the Sunset fire northeast of Athol.
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