The thunder rolls

With increased lighting activity in Shoshone County over the last couple of weeks, combined with drier summer conditions, the Shoshone County Fire Chiefs Association has announced that the local fire danger for the area is being increased to moderate.

Idaho Department of Lands-Cataldo Fire Warden Chris Myers explains that there have been two lightning-caused fire starts in the last two weeks within the local fire district.

The first occurred over the weekend of July 2-3 when a bolt struck a tree in the Burke Canyon area of Wallace. While fire damage was relegated to the affected tree, due to a quick citizen report and response by Shoshone County Fire District No. 1, the incident did make for a fascinating sight. Video footage taken by SCFD No. 1 and shared on its Facebook page showed a towering tree essentially split and hollowed out by fire. Both SCFD No.1 and IDL crews were on scene of the incident.

The second fire occurred in the early hours of July 13 on Latour Creek Road in Cataldo. Visible from Interstate 90 for much of the day, Myers explains that the lightning hit a fairly vulnerable spot for a wildfire to kick up.

“It (the lightning) hit some older logging slash in a recently logged/active unit, so there’s a lot of fuel there on the ground,” he said. “It was piled there below the road, which made it tough to put out.”

In addition to four acres of land burned, the now contained wildfire destroyed a couple log decks and caused some minor damage to nearby logging equipment.

While IDL Cataldo crews were the primary responders, they received assistance from SCFD No. 1, 2, Mullan Volunteer Fire Department, the United State Forest Service, the local logging contractors, and the West St. Joe IDL.

“Great response from the community on that one,” Myers said. “They reported that one bright and early at about 4 a.m. District 2 was able to get on it and we were right behind them.”

With the increase in fire danger, permits for large and medium slash piles will not be offered until conditions warrant in the fall. Permits for small piles, including residential yard debris, are still allowed but as conditions can change quickly, SCFCA asks residents to be extra vigilant and always monitor your small pile until it is dead out.

“Don’t forget to give your local fire department a call to inform them of your plans to burn,” Myers said. “If you’d rather play it safe and don’t absolutely have to burn now, consider covering your pile to keep it dry and wait until conditions are more favorable and there is minimal chance for your fire to escape.“

At this time, there are no restrictions on recreational campfires. SCFCA stresses that all campfires should be kept to a reasonable size (3-by-3 feet or less) and extinguished completely if not attended. Campfires left unattended to smolder are the cause of numerous major wildfires each year. A shovel and bucket of water on site are required and will help to put your fire completely out. Drown and stir your campfire repeatedly until it is cold to the touch before leaving.

Officials encourage residents to be careful when traveling in the area and make sure your vehicles, trailers and fire extinguishers are in good working condition. As you enjoy the outdoors, be on the lookout for smoke and report all wildfires to 911 immediately.

Visit https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/ for a permit or contact your local fire district.

• Shoshone County Fire District No. 1: 208-752-1101

• Shoshone County Fire District No. 2: 208-784-1188

• Prichard/Murray VFD: 208-682-3957

• U.S. Forest Service: 208-783-2100

• Idaho Department of Lands: 208-682-4611