Coeur d’Alene, ID – Yesterday at 3 pm PT, IDL wildland firefighters were dispatched to a suspicious wildfire on Granite Mountain east of Highway 95 and Kelso Lake.

With the help of extensive and expensive air support, firefighters contained the Candle Hill fire at just seven acres.

“The cause of this fire is under investigation and IDL investigators need your help,” said Rodney Weeks, IDL’s fire investigation program manager. “If you have information about how this fire started, or photos of the fire taken close to the time of ignition, please share what you know with our investigation team.”

IDL fire investigators can be reached by emailing investigation@idl.idaho.gov or by calling 208-666-8697.

According to Weeks, the agency investigates the cause of every wildfire on the land it protects. “Under Idaho law, those who negligently start a fire can be responsible for covering suppression costs and economic damages,” he added.

Since IDL has no authority to pursue criminal charges, the agency works closely with the Idaho State Fire Marshall to investigate all cases of suspected arson and hold arsonists fully accountable under the law.

 

View Candle Hill Fire on the Idaho Fire Map

 

IDL Wildfire Resources

• Sign up to receive text or email Wildfire Alerts from IDL
• Read the latest news about wildfires on land IDL protects
• Learn how you can help prevent wildfires