Recent lightning storms have sparked several small fires across the region, but Idaho forestry officials are also growing concerned about the number of human-caused wildfires. 

According to statistics from Kary Maddux, a fire prevention officer for the U.S. Forest Service’s Idaho Panhandle National Forest, 41% of wildfires this year have been human-caused, lightning strikes account for 19%, and the rest remain under investigation or are unknown. 

"We can’t pick where lightning strikes, but simple actions like fully extinguishing campfires, following burn restrictions, and staying mindful with equipment and vehicles can be the difference between a quiet summer day and a large, costly wildfire," Maddux said.  

Beginning July 16, at least 11 smaller fires started across the Panhandle, many of them attributed to lightning strikes. 

July 16 

The King Fire, west of Eagle along the Coeur d’Alene River in Shoshone County, was controlled July 18 at one-tenth of an acre. The Cedar Creek Fire, east of Coeur d’Alene and southwest of Prichard in Shoshone County, was controlled July 19 at one-tenth of an acre. The 2572 Alpha Fire, southeast of Queen Mountain in Shoshone County, was controlled July 17 at one-tenth of an acre. 

July 17  

The Wellington Fire, north of Clark Fork in Bonner County, was controlled July 18 at one-tenth of an acre. The Stacel Fire, east of Canfield Mountain in Kootenai County, was declared out July 19 at one-quarter of an acre. The Gisborne Fire, south of Priest River and west of Schweitzer Mountain in Bonner County, was controlled the same day it was discovered at one-half of an acre. The Tent Creek Fire, north of Kellogg near Graham Creek Campground in Shoshone County, was controlled July 18 at one-tenth of an acre. 

July 18 

The Summit Fire, southwest of Clark Fork in Bonner County, has been declared out at one-tenth of an acre. 

July 19 

The Kreist Creek Fire, about 2.5 miles southeast of Sinclair in Boundary County, has been contained at one-tenth of an acre. The Deer Creek Fire is a 2-acre fire west of Blacktail Creek in Shoshone County. Early aviation support was critical while crews on the ground worked to access the fire in remote and challenging terrain. Fireline has been completed around the fire, and crews will continue to work toward containment. The Alden Creek Fire, east of Blacktail Creek near the Montana border in Shoshone County, has been contained at a half-acre as of July 21. 

As wildland crews continue to battle much larger blazes in Boundary County, including the Upper Smith and Turner fires, these much smaller fires pull resources away from those efforts, making their origins even more frustrating when they are not natural. 

"While larger incidents draw the most attention, catching fires when they’re small is key to preventing large-scale wildfire impacts," U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer Megan Bush said. "Adding human-caused starts to the fire workload can quickly stretch resources thin." 

The Upper Smith Fire, roughly 10 miles from the Canadian border, has grown to nearly 900 acres and remains at 0% containment. On Tuesday, crews continued reinforcing fire lines. Aircraft have been steadily deployed for suppression efforts as crews work to keep the blaze from jumping nearby roads. 

The Turner Fire, north of Bonners Ferry near Highway 95, is nearly 70% contained but has burned almost 700 acres of forestland. Level 2 evacuation orders remain in place for several neighborhoods in the area. 

However, current weather forecasts have officials concerned that expected winds could hamper their efforts. 

Maddux hopes people stay vigilant during travel and recreation in the coming days and weeks and exercise common sense when handling anything that could start a fire. 

"Fire prevention is a shared responsibility, and when people take these small steps, they directly protect their communities, firefighters, and natural resources," Maddux said.  

To report a wildfire, dial 911. For nonemergency questions, the IPNF Fire Info Line is available seven days a week during fire season and can be reached at (208) 557-8813.