IDL firefighters battle Little Pine Fire

The Little Pine Fire, the first fire of significance this season, got a visit from Gov. Brad Little and other Idaho state officials Thursday.

Seven miles north of Priest River on endowment timberland, the Little Pine Fire is less than three days old, but has grown rapidly thanks to high winds.

Crews from the Idaho Department of Lands are holding the fire at 175-acres. Previously reported at 300-acres, more accurate mapping as of Thursday morning estimates the Little Pine Fire is burning at 175-acres. It is 10% contained. The cause of the blaze is still unknown.

A Type 3 team has assumed control over firefighting efforts. A Type 3 engine pumps a minimum of 150 gallons per minute, making it useful for fighting larger fires.

There are currently no endangered structures or calls for evacuation.

IDL firefighters have responded to 109 fires this year, burning more than 440 acres. 94% of fires have been caused by humans.

The governor toured the fire line on Thursday with Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, and Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay thanking IDL firefighters for keeping the state’s residents safe during what appears to be the beginning of an aggressive fire season.

The IDL is aggressive as well. According to a press release, its goal this season is to hold fires to 10 acres or less.

“Our forests are tinderboxes,” IDL officials said in a press release. “This causes great concern for the governor and legislators, especially as we get closer to the Fourth of July”.

IDL officials placed emphasis on the use of fireworks this holiday, saying, “No fireworks should be used on any forestlands, or dry grasslands in Idaho.”

Little and the IDL urge citizens to “be mindful of the extremely dry conditions as they camp, fish and use ATVs”

Important fire safety tips to remember during this season are to completely extinguish campfires, not park on dry grasses (since extreme heat can also start fires), and make sure trailer chains are secured (since chains dragging on the road can produce sparks).

“The public should expect to see smoke as the fire burns internal pockets of fuels,” officials said in a press release.

According to IdahoFirewise.org to report wildfires, call 911. If you are outside of a 911 service area, call the county sheriff or emergency services department.