Monday afternoon at 2:40 Moscow Rural Fire Department, with assistance from several surrounding agencies, responded to a wildfire near Idlers Rest Road.
As of 6:30, the fire has burned 150 acres with 0% containment.
Fire crews say they have lost two structures, including one house on West Twin Road. 20 to 40 structures are currently threatened.
A single and dual rotor helicopter, as well as a large air tanker, are currently fighting the fire. Seven water tenders and two bulldozers responded from surrounding communities. Two hand crews are on scene, with 20 firefighters on each crew. As of 7:30, aerial support is done for the night.
Residents on Idler’s Rest, Moscow Mountain, Shultz, and West Twin Roads have been evacuated.
The Red Cross has stationed at the Latah County Fairgrounds, where evacuees are welcome to temporarily relocate. The fairgrounds says they have plenty of room for RV’s and trailers.
A dry cold front that brought west wind gusts up to 21 mph this afternoon made it difficult for firefighters to contain the wildfire.
PHOTO CREDIT – Geoff Crimmins
