Idler Fire burns into Thursday

Local updates from fire, land departments; man arrested near origin of Colfax fire

COLE QUINN

An aerial firefighting crew pours water over the Idler fire. Firefighters continue to fight the flames reporting less than 50 percent containment.

EMMA LEDBETTER, Evergreen news editor

The Idler Fire, currently burning several miles north of Moscow, Idaho, was about 25 percent contained Wednesday.

The fire is limited to 116 acres, and fire managers expect it will be more contained after Wednesday’s shift, according to the Idaho Department of Lands website. Crews will monitor the fire overnight, but will only engage with it during daylight hours unless it approaches the fireline.

The fire started Monday afternoon when a structure ignited surrounding wildlands, according to the website. Two structures have been lost. 

The Latah County Sheriff lifted evacuation orders Tuesday evening, but residents should be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen, according to the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page

Idler’s Rest Conservation Area Nature Preserve has not been damaged, according to the website. Members of the public should avoid the area while firefighters contain the blaze.

There is a GoFundMe to raise money for one of the families that lost a home. 

Green Hollow Fire

Pullman Fire Investigator Tony Nuttman ruled improper cigarette disposal accidentally started the Green Hollow Road Fire in Colfax, according to a Pullman Fire Department press release.

Jim Krouse, longtime Colfax fire chief, died of an apparent heart attack Saturday while dragging a hose to fight the blaze, according to the release. 

The individual who allegedly started the fire was trespassing in the area and identified as homeless. The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office arrested the individual, who is currently in the Whitman County Jail, according to a Sheriff’s Office press release.