KAMIAH, ID — A series of recent storms sweeping across the region have ignited multiple small wildfires on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, prompting a swift response from local, tribal, state, and federal firefighting crews.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, 23 new fire starts have been confirmed in the past week within the Grangeville Interagency Dispatch Zone, burning a combined total of 14.5 acres. Most of the fires were sparked by lightning, with a few attributed to accidental human activity.
“So far, so good,” said Josh Bransford, Fire Staff Officer for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. “At this point our resources have been able to keep up with the operational needs of these new starts both on our forest and our partner’s lands, but that can change quickly if there is a higher priority start with structures, or other critical values at risk.”
Bransford emphasized the importance of coordination with partner agencies including the Idaho Department of Lands, Nez Perce Tribe, Bureau of Land Management, and Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protection Association. “We are working very closely with our interagency partners to ensure the resources that we do have available are being utilized as efficiently as possible and engaging the highest priority fires first,” he said.
Initial attack efforts have largely been successful, with many fires already controlled or extinguished. While smoke may still be visible in parts of the region, officials report that containment efforts are progressing well.
Looking ahead, weather forecasts call for daily showers and thunderstorms through the weekend, with a potential for heavy rainfall and dry lightning near storm edges. A low-pressure system moving in Thursday and Friday may bring more organized storms and a 50–60% chance of widespread wetting rain.
As of now, there are no fire restrictions in place. However, interagency fire managers are meeting weekly to evaluate the evolving conditions and consider implementing restrictions if necessary.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay alert and practice fire safety. For updates on large fires, visit InciWeb. For local fire information, contact the Nez Perce-Clearwater Fire Information Line at 208-935-6134.
