BOCC declares emergency

WALLACE — The Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) declared a state of emergency on Wednesday afternoon in light of the Character Complex Wildfire on the side of Interstate 90, as well as the Stateline Complex Wildfire burning in the southern portion of Shoshone County right up against the Idaho/Montana Border.

The emergency declaration came as the Deceitful Fire continued to grow while remaining at zero percent containment as of Thursday morning, as well as the steady growth of the fires making up the Stateline Complex.

Citing "imminent danger" to various structures, infrastructure, utilities, human lives, and public and private lands, the disaster declaration is a preemptive move by the BOCC to ensure that financial support be made available through the state, and potentially, federal governments.

“In general, the declaration provides a formal acknowledgment that a disaster due to fire and fire danger exists within Shoshone County and special actions may be needed to address the disaster,” said BOCC Chairman Mike Fitzgerald. “The declaration is a mechanism (if needed and funds are available from the federal and/or state) to provide for reimbursement of county expenses incurred during the disaster.”

Shoshone County Emergency Manager Dan Martinsen further explained how these situations are fairly common and nothing to be alarmed at.

"With any disaster that's brewing or happening it's best to get a declaration out as early as possible," Martinsen said. "It just shows that we are exhausting our abilities and resources to handle the situation. It is always OK to declare early and then not need anything than it is to get $5,000 to $10,000 in the hole and have to eat it."

The disaster declaration can only last for seven-day periods at a time before requiring a renewal.

Just two weeks ago Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued an emergency declaration for wildfire and mobilized Idaho National Guard firefighters and aircraft to assist in the efforts.

According to Idaho Statute, the governor can declare a disaster emergency if they believe one exists or may exist — this declared state of emergency can last for up to 30 days before being renewed.

It may also be terminated as soon as the governor finds that the threat or danger has passed or has been dealt with.

It is the first time the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has requested the governor issue an emergency declaration to make Idaho National Guard resources available for fighting wildfire on the 6.2 million acres of land across mostly North Idaho where IDL provides fire protection. The governor’s emergency declaration authorizes National Guard personnel with fire line qualifications to work on active wildfires and for other personnel to support fire logistic activities. In addition, the governor’s emergency declaration makes National Guard aircraft resources available.