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Sheriff’s Office Daily Update

All fire inquiries should be directed below.

Sunset Fire Information
208-990-1881
Email: 2025.sunset@firenet.gov

The Sheriff’s Office Daily updates will normally be posted soon after the Idaho Department of Lands completes their progress report from the prior day’s fire fighting activities. Please be patient for those coordinated efforts to be done before our daily posting.

08/25/2025

Sunset Fire Update 

Size: 3,230 acres
Containment: 32%
Total Personnel: 670

CURRENT STATUS

A type 2 hand crew and a hot shot crew will work to complete the fireline on the southeastern edge near the lake and will continue to secure and “mop up” areas of residual heat. On the southern and western flanks crews will place pumps, hoselays and sprinklers in areas that had a high concentration of hazard trees. Hotshot crews will work to hold and secure the fireline on the northern edge where the most concentrated areas of heat remain. This work is especially difficult due to the uneven, patchy pattern of burned and unburned fuels and steep terrain across much of the fire area. In the northern-most area of the fire, hotshot crews remain camped, or “spiked out” near the most active area of the fire.

Helicopters continue to assist all firefighting efforts using water drops and long lines to insert supplies to crews on the ground. From the lakeshore, watercraft will insert crews and provide logistical support and lookouts. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) module with infrared (IR) capabilities provided information to crews on locations of hotspots and residual heat.

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES

Effective immediately on August 25, 2025, Bonner County Sheriff ‘s Office has lifted all “GO” evacuation levels for the Sunset Fire. Some roads in Talache and access to Talache have been downgraded to the “SET” status.

Roads in SET are listed on Nixle at this link.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

As temperatures increase to the upper low 90s and relative humidity drops into the teens, visible smoke is likely as larger fuels within the fire perimeter burn. In the morning, northern winds will be primarily on ridgetops from 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph, decreasing in the afternoon. Light winds elsewhere will be terrain driven from 4 to 8 mph. Hot and dry conditions will continue across the area with increasingly poor overnight humidity recovery through mid-week. Afternoon temperatures will be 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages and near record temperatures on Monday and Tuesday.

Poor overnight recovery will extend active burn windows in the morning and evening, from around 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Interior pockets of unburned fuel will burn, and growth is expected inside the existing fire perimeter where pockets of unburned fuel continue to smolder and consume. Fire behavior with flanking, torching, flare ups, and short-range spotting will continue.

SUNSET FIRE RETURNING CAUTION

As residents are returning to their homes this week, after the evacuations from the Sunset fire, I want to stress the importance of the following considerations.

1. The forest is still closed to the public. Please do not enter public lands and disrupt the firefighters working on your behalf.

2. Burning restrictions are still in place. By order of Fire Chief Armstrong, “All Open Burning” in the fire affected areas of Sagle shall be extinguished, to include campfires, outdoor burning of yard waste, open flames devices and charcoal fires.

3. The established checkpoints will continue to be manned by law enforcement personnel, in order to restrict non-residents from entering the formally evacuated areas.

4. You are returning to an active fire scene where hundreds of personnel are still working. You will encounter heavy equipment and fire trucks throughout the area. Please give them the right-of-way as you travel.

08/24/2025

Sunset Fire Update 

Size: 3,230 acres
Containment: 24%
Total Personnel: 688

CURRENT STATUS

Hotshots and type 2 hand crews worked to complete a small section of fireline south of Maiden Creek along the western flank. A type 2 hand crew worked to complete the fireline on the southeastern edge near the lake and secured and “mopped up” areas of residual heat. This work is especially difficult due to the uneven, patchy pattern of burned and unburned fuels and steep terrain across much of the fire area. On the northeastern edge a hotshot crew, supported by helicopters, extinguished a large area of heat. In the northern-most area of the fire, hotshot crews will remain camped, or “spiked out” near areas of the most concentrated heat.

Helicopters continued to assist all firefighting efforts using water drops to support crews on the ground. Structure protection teams continued to validate the protection measures in place. A portable dock was placed in the lake to more safely insert and extract crews from watercraft. From the lakeshore, watercraft inserted crews and provided support and lookouts. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) module with infrared (IR) capabilities provided information to crews on locations of hotspots and residual heat.

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Temperatures increased to the low 90s, and relative humidity dropped below 20 percent. North to northeast winds along the lakeshore were 10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph. Hot and dry conditions will continue across the area with increasingly poor overnight humidity recovery through mid-week.

Poor overnight recovery will extend active burn windows through around 9:00 pm. Pockets of unburned fuel will burn, and slight overnight growth is expected inside the existing fire perimeter where pockets of unburned fuel continue to smolder and consume. Fire behavior with flanking, torching, and short-range spotting will increase throughout the weekend and into early next week.

08/23/2025

Sunset Fire Update 

Size: 3,208 acres
Containment: 11% (The incident management team expects increases in percent containment by tonight.)
Total Personnel: 678

CURRENT STATUS

A hotshot crew, supported by aircraft, extinguished a 20-acre area of concentrated activity on the northwestern edge. Crews worked to hold and improve firelines along the western flank, working northward in the very steep terrain into Maiden Creek. Hotshot and type 2 hand crews worked from north to south from Pearl Creek to Maiden Creek. In the northern-most area of the fire, hotshot crews will “spike out,” or camp near the fireline for several days. Mop-up operations to address areas of deep residual heat continued with an excavator while aerial assets dropped water on those areas near the southwestern flank.

Aerial resources, including scoopers and helicopters, continued to assist all firefighting efforts using water drops to support crews on the ground. Structure protection teams finalized protection measures using sprinklers and hoselays south of Talache Road and Butler Creek. From the lakeshore, watercraft inserted crews into remote areas and supplied water to cool hotspots and active flames. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) module with infrared (IR) capabilities provided information to crews on locations of hotspots and residual heat.

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

As temperatures increased to the upper 80s and relative humidity dropped to the low 20s, smoke was visible as larger fuels burned. North to northeast winds along the lakeshore were 10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.

The fire has not made westerly progression and is not anticipated to in the near future. Poor overnight recovery will allow burn windows to continue into the evening hours and early morning. Active fire behavior will be more favorable earlier in the day. Fire behavior with flanking, torching, and short-range spotting will increase, with possible short up-hill runs.

08/22/2025

Sunset Fire Update 

Size: 3,208 acres
Containment: 11%
Total Personnel: 700

CURRENT STATUS
Crews will work to hold and improve firelines along the western flank, working northward in the very steep terrain into Maiden Creek. Hotshot and type 2 hand crews will work from north to south from Pearl Creek to Maiden Creek. In the northern-most area of the fire, hotshot crews will camp near the fireline, or remain “spiked out,” and will stay on the fireline for several days. Mop-up operations to address areas of residual heat will continue on the southwestern flank. Aerial resources, including scoopers and helicopters, will continue to assist all firefighting efforts using water drops to support crews on the ground. Structure protection teams will finalize protection measures where needed south of Talache Road and Butler Creek. From the lakeshore, watercraft will insert crews into remote areas and will supply water to cool hotspots and active flames. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) module with infrared (IR) capabilities will fly the fire area to look for hotspots and residual heat.

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
As temperatures increase to the mid to upper 80s and relative humidity drop to the low 20s, visible smoke is likely as larger fuels burn. North to northeast winds will be primarily on ridgetops and along the lakeshore. Winds elsewhere will be terrain driven at 5 to 10 mph. Hot and dry conditions are well established across the area with increasingly poor overnight humidity recovery.

Conditions for active fire behavior will be favorable earlier in the day, and smoke is likely to be visible from numerous locations. Active fire behavior with flanking, torching, and short-range spotting will increase, with short up-hill runs likely. Higher temperatures and lower relative humidity will result in increased potential for fire activity throughout the weekend.

A Temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place that restricts all aircraft (including drones) from operating in the fire area without permission.

08/21/2025

Sunset Fire Update 

Size: 3,208 acres
Containment: 6%
Total Personnel: 621

CURRENT STATUS
Hotshots, type 2 hand crews, engines, and heavy equipment will work to hold and improve fire lines along the western flank, working northward in the very steep terrain into Maiden Creek. Hotshot and type 2 hand crews will work from north to south from Pearl Creek to Maiden Creek. Aerial resources, including scoopers and helicopters, will continue to assist all firefighting efforts using water drops on the southern, western, and northern flanks of the fire to support crews on the ground. Structure protection teams continued to implement protection measures where needed along Talache Road and Butler Creek. From the lakeshore, watercraft will insert crews into remote areas and will supply water to cool hotspots and active flames.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) module with infrared (IR) capabilities will fly the fire area to look for hotspots and residual heat.

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: As temperatures hit the mid 80s and relative humidity’s dropped to the low 20s, resulting in visible smoke as larger fuels burn. By this weekend, hot and dry conditions will be well established across the area along with increasingly poor overnight humidity recovery. Continued drying of fuels, higher temperatures and lower relative humidity’s will result in increased potential for fire activity. Primary spread will be to the north toward Talache Road and west into Maiden Creek. Smoke is likely to be visible from numerous locations.

To receive the latest evacuation updates please sign up for Bonner County Nixle alerts via text. Text 888777 and enter your zip code.

There is an evacuation center 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.

 

08/20/2025

At Monday’s Fire Information Meeting, the team of presenters shared how some of the Ready-Set-Go status had changed and presented a map with those changes. These were recommendations made to me and with the collaboration of the Idaho Department of Lands and the Selkirk Fire Department, I as the Sheriff, authorized those changes to be made. For the protection of the fire crews, power has been shut off where crews are working and it may not be prudent to return to your home. I stated that those folks who decided to remain at their property were doing so at their own risk. Some residents have decided to return and have tried to engage in conversations with the fire crews working hard to put out this fire.

Please do not interfere with the firefighter’s assigned duties. In these areas closed to the public, crews are operating heavy equipment, laying down water hoses and attacking hot spots. Air resources are also dropping fire retardant and water. If those who decided to return to the closed areas have questions about the operations near their home, please address your questions to Sunset Fire Information @ 208-990-1881 or Email: 2025.sunset@firenet.gov.

Bonner County Fairgrounds Animal Evacuation Information:

Concerns have been raised regarding our recent public statement on the use of the Bonner County Fairgrounds as a resource for large animals during the Sunset Fire evacuations. We want to clarify our intent and reassure residents that the Fairgrounds and its staff remain dedicated to serving Bonner County—especially in this time of need.

At this time, the Bonner County Fairgrounds is accepting ONLY evacuated large animals from the Sunset Fire “Go” and “Set” evacuation zones.

Animals Accepted

  • Rabbits, goats, sheep, horses, cattle, pigs, alpacas, and llamas (space permitting)

  • Not accepted: Birds of any kind, dogs, cats, reptiles, or specialty pets

Evacuees & Camping

  • Owners who have evacuated animals to the Fairgrounds may request “dry camping” on a case-by-case basis until the “Go” and “Set” zones are cleared for safe return.

  • For evacuees in need of temporary shelter, the primary evacuation center is the Cocolalla Bible Camp.

  • Those with RVs or campers, evacuated from the “Go” and “Set” zones from the Sunset Fire, may inquire about “dry camping” options at the Cocolalla Bible Camp.

  • RVs, campers, and vehicles may not be stored or dropped off at the Fairgrounds.

  • Those seeking full campground hookups may visit camplife.com to rent a site (based on availability).

Owner Responsibilities

  • Provide all general care, veterinary care, feed, and food/water receptacles. Water is available on the grounds at no cost.

  • Supply identifying information (collar, ear tag, etc.) and records, if available.

  • The Fairgrounds will make efforts to separate animals, but cannot guarantee it. We are not responsible for illness, injury, or loss.

Check-In Process

  • All animals must be checked in with paperwork completed. Animals may not be dropped off unattended. Any animals left without check-in will be considered abandoned. If anyone needs to make multiple trips, they only need to inform the Fairgrounds staff and we will assist in getting animals placed and get preliminary information from you, and complete the check-in process once all animals are delivered.

  • Check-in hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Fair Office, access to the Fairgrounds only from the Boyer Road entrance at this time.

  • The Fair Office may occasionally be closed; updates will be posted on Facebook and at the Fair Office notice board.

After-Hours Arrivals

  • If arriving outside posted hours, please call 208-920-9680. A staff member will meet you. Please inform on the call if you need to make multiple trips.

  • Animals must remain trailered until staff arrives.

Retrieval of Animals

  • Owners are responsible for returning to care for and retrieve their animals.

  • Animals left unattended, uncared for, or unclaimed will be turned over to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.

We ask that during this time, the general public not access any stalls, pens, buildings, or locations where animals are placed, and do not interact with, feed, or water any animals, for biosecurity and safety reasons.

The Bonner County Fairgrounds is proud to serve our community. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work together to keep our community and its animals safe.

Today’s update for 08/20/25:

Sunset Fire Morning Update from the Idaho Department of Lands

  • Size: 3,208 acres
  • Containment: 4%
  • Total Personnel: 546

The Incident Management Team worked in conjunction with the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office to clarify the narrative descriptions of the evacuation zones for the Sunset Fire. Roads in SET and roads in GO are listed on InciWeb at this link.

Water scoopers will continue to draw water from Lake Pend Oreille. Boaters: please stay out of the flight path of these planes to minimize disruptions to firefighting efforts.

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES:

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.

CURRENT STATUS: Hotshots, type 2 hand crews, engines, and heavy equipment will work to improve firelines along the western flank, while hotshot and type 2 hand crews work to establish firelines on the northern flank. Aerial resources, including scoopers and helicopters, will continue to assist all firefighting efforts using water drops on the southern, western, and northern flanks of the fire to support crews on the ground. Structure protection teams will continue to implement protection measures where needed along Talache Road and Butler Creek. From the lakeshore, watercraft will insert crews into remote areas.

Daytime infrared (IR) flights, utilizing the Pilatus aerial platform, is being flown from 18,000 feet to locate heat pockets. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) module with infrared capabilities will fly the fire area to look for hotspots and residual heat.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: As temperatures increase and conditions dry, visible smoke is likely as residual areas of heat in larger fuels burn. With clear skies and full sun, temperatures will climb to the mid-80s. Winds will be light and variable from the southwest with gusts up to 15 to 20 mph on ridgetops. Relative humidity will drop to the low 20s. A shift to north winds is likely to occur tonight in the wake of the weather disturbance with northerly winds persisting into Thursday morning. An upper-level ridge of high pressure over the Rockies will maintain a drying and warming trend with seasonal warmth through Thursday before much warmer temperatures and dryness develop this weekend.

Flanking and torching fire behavior will increase today in areas with isolated residual heat, and heavy fuels will continue to burn. Continued drying of fuels, higher temperatures and lower relative humidities will result in increased potential for fire activity. Smoke is likely to be visible from numerous locations.

Area Closures: are in effect on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. More information on Idaho Panhandle National Forests area closures can be found at HERE.

Read the full update from the Idaho Department of Lands HERE.

-Sheriff Daryl Wheeler-