Wildfire Alert: Sunset Fire – Current as of 9:00 AM PT on 8/15/2025

Sunset Fire Grows to 1,830 Acres Northeast of Athol

Firefighting efforts continue both on the ground and from the air, with safety for firefighters and the public as the top priority. Yesterday, crews made progress by constructing firelines along the southwestern and southeastern edges, while aerial resources focused on the northern edge. Firefighting boats provided water support along the eastern perimeter.

Today, cooler weather is expected to aid both air and ground firefighting resources as they continue direct engagement along the fireline. A Hotshot crew is being brought into the eastern edge by boat to construct handline in steep terrain where heavy equipment cannot gain access. Structures and other values at risk remain threatened. Fire crews continue to assess these areas- implementing point protection strategies where they can be effective.

In response to the increased fire activity and the need for expanding the incident organization, a Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered and is expected to arrive tomorrow. This will bring additional resources to support suppression efforts.

Officials are urging the public to avoid the fire area and respect road closures. Roads are narrow and dusty. With two way traffice oversized vehicles are creating hazardous conditions for crews working along these roadways and anchor points.

Evacuation orders are in effect.

GO status, meaning residents should leave immediately. All residents on Raven Road, Crosswhite Road, Little Blacktail Road, and east of 2268 Sunset Road. USFS 630 off Blacktail Road (north of Blacktail), Butler Creek and Butler Creek Spur, from Mirror Lake, diagonal down to USFS 630, including Five Lakes Estates, Jupline Landing , the entire Ponderosa neighborhood and everything south of Talache Rd.

SET notices are in effect for homes on Blacktail Road a quarter-mile north of Little Blacktail, and everything north of Talache Road in Sagle. Residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

READY advisories remain for all residents on Blacktail Road north of the ¼ mile and for the community of Bayview in neighboring Kootenai County.

An evacuation center has been opened at the Cocolalla Bible Camp to assist displaced residents. The Bonner County Fairgrounds are available to shelter evacuated livestock on a limited basis.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place that restricts all aircraft (including drones) from operating in the fire area without permission. If you fly we can’t!

Cooperating agencies include: Idaho Department of Lands, USDA Forest Service, Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple local rural and county fire departments and EMS.

The cause of the Sunset Fire remains under investigation.

#IDLfireinfo, #SunsetFire2025

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Sunset Fire Information

208-990-1881

2025.sunset@firenet.gov

Photo Credit: William Dobson, Grayback Forestry

Most wildfires are caused by humans. Be part of the solution – learn how!

· Be aware of and follow all fire restrictions

· During closed burn season, before burning debris apply for a free burn permit – it’s the law

· Use campfires safely by staying clear of flammable debris and burning on mineral soil

· Maintain vehicles and OHVs properly – especially their tires - so you don’t spark a fire

· Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and cause a fire

· Never park over dry grass because hot exhaust systems can start a fire

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For the most current information about wildfires on land protected by the Idaho Department of Lands, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-news-feed/.

Idaho Department of Lands in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, provides fire suppression and prevention on 9.6 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland.

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