Wildfire update: Air quality plummets as fires continue to burn

An air quality alert has been issued as elevated concentrations of wildfire smoke from area fires are expected to persist.

Fire Officials Urge Caution, Most of Idaho is under Very High or Extreme Fire Danger

Hot summer temperatures across the state have resulted in drier conditions and an increased fire danger, with nearly all lands under Idaho Department of Lands fire protection now in Very High to Extreme Fire Danger. As of today, IDL crews have fought 166 fires with most being human-caused or investigated as possibly being human-caused.

A fire by any other name

Panhandle now has 57 wildfires

COEUR d'ALENE - It was bound to happen - after naming 56 wildfires in North Idaho over the past few days, fire officials struggled to name number 57.

Officials boost fire danger to extreme

The onslaught of fires continues to ravage areas in Idaho as the fire danger rating is elevated to the highest level of "extreme."

Rain helps firefighters, closures still in effect

Selkirk: Fire started in building

A Monday fire that destroyed two homes and a pair of outbuildings appears to have started in one of the buildings. The investigation, initially handled by the Idaho Department of Lands, determined the fire originated in one of the structures and spread to the wildland. After the initial investigation, Selkirk Fire became the lead agency.

Lightning sparks several small Panhandle fires

ST. MARIES - The St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests is currently managing four wildland fires for resource benefit. Three fires are located in the Mallard Larkins Pioneer Area including the Fawnstooth, Sawtooth, and Elk Fires. The Needle Fire, located in the upper St. Joe River corridor is also being managed for resource benefit. The resource benefits to be gained from these natural ignitions include reducing hazardous fuel accumulations, improving big game habitat, and allowing fire to fulfill vital ecological processes. The fires were started by lightning late last week when a thunderstorm moved across the south end of the forest. Currently the fires are approximately 1/3 of an acre in size and are slowly creeping and smoldering.

Fire officials brace for winds

Cold front expected Thursday and Friday

Area fires see growth

An infrared flight over the Eneas Peak Fire show it at 323 acres while the nearby Diamond Watch Fire has grown to 701 acres.

Air support keeps fires in check

Water drops on the Eneas Peak Fire's eastern front on Sunday have helped keep growth to the fire in check, U.S. Forest Service officials said. Also, Forest Service officials said the nearby Trout Fire had no growth and the Russell Mountain Fire increased by 13 acres.

Fire pit use sparked Mica Bay fire

COEUR d’ALENE — The Double Tree fire in Mica Bay was caused by a homeowner lighting a fire pit with paper, authorities said Wednesday.

Fire near Priest Lake leads to evacuations

Several dozen residents in the Squaw Valley area near Priest Lake were evacuated Saturday after winds fanned the Tower Fire, pushing the 18,478-acre fire toward their homes.

Condo fire reported

The Coeur d'Alene Fire Department responded to a fire call Thursday night at the Parkside condo after smoke and flames were reported on the ninth floor of the structure.

Fire damages shop

Fire damages shop

Region avoids worst of danger

Stage 1 fire restrictions imposed in southern Idaho

Wildfire forces campers to evacuate

210 Road Fire burned to edge of fish hatchery

BOISE - Idaho wildfire managers are bringing in more personnel and equipment to battle a fire south of Stanley that forced the evacuation of Redfish Lake campers and guests at the historic lodge.

Central Idaho fire restrictions issued; firefighters report gains in Bench Lake, Texas wildfires

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be in place in Payette Fire Restrictions Area starting 12:01 a.m. Friday

Fires put out on Tubbs Hill

A small grass fire was extinguished by firefighters Thursday at the Third Street dock area on Tubbs Hill, the second caused by humans in two days at the popular, downtown hiking spot.

Tubbs Hill fire appears to be human-caused

Police and fire officials still investigating

COEUR d'ALENE - The Tubbs Hill fire on Saturday appears to have been human-caused, a fire official said Tuesday.

Fire destroys 17.3 acres in Silver Valley

After a lengthy two-day battle, Silver Valley fire personnel are finally coming close to completely containing the fire that broke out in the hills of Kellogg and spread to Wardner.