VIDEO: The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) reports the Sunset Fire burning near Athol is about 52% contained as of Wednesday afternoon, and as firefighters battle the flames on the front lines, the local community is working just as hard behind the scenes.
A growing community group based in Athol is rallying around the Selkirk Fire & Rescue firefighters as the Sunset Fire pushes North Idaho into a time of crisis.
Selkirk Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong says when the flames broke out, his crew and several other fire teams needed supplies like food and water, and they needed them fast.
There was no initial aid from the state during the first few days of the Sunset Fire. Chief Armstrong says in the first initial days of the fire, they had the sole responsibility of taking care of other municipal fire crews in providing them food, supplies and care.
“So it’s been taxing. This happened immediately in our backyard,” said Armstrong. “So we were trying to staff fire engines, fight the fire, make sure the public was safe, and run around and try to figure out how to feed, clothe, and house those firefighters.”
