Downed power line sparks fire along U.S. 95

BONNERS FERRY — On Sunday, July 14, around 5:30 p.m., Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire due to downed power lines on U.S. 95, near mile marker 527. The fire was located in the ditch along the highway, and had a small extension of about 15 feet into the woods.

“We had an excellent response from our folks but had to wait for a NL (Northern Lights) crew from Sandpoint to arrive to de-energize the line,” said Hall Mountain Fire Chief Brad Lowther.

The weather cooperated and rain extinguished the flames, except where the line was arching. The firefighters kept watch to make sure the fire did not spread. Hall Mountain Fire turned the fire over to Idaho Department of Lands, who then remained on the scene until Northern Lights arrived so they could overhaul hot spots.

According to Lowther, one family self-evacuated, but there was no fire spread into the field. Mission Creek stretched between the power line and any homes.

“With the winds there could have been significant fire spread had Mother Nature not intervened,” said Lowther.