UPDATE: August 15, 2025 at noon
ATHOL, Idaho — Evacuations for a large wildfire burning northeast of Athol expanded Friday afternoon.
The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office extended the “go status” emergency evacuations to include anyone who lives on East Dufort Road and Talache Road, as well as all side streets of Talache Road in that area.
The Idaho Department of Lands estimated the fire to be 1,830 acres as of Friday morning.
Crews made progress putting together fire lines along the southwestern and southeastern edges of the fire, while air resources focused on the northern edge. Firefighting boats contributed to efforts on the eastern edge.
UPDATE: August 14, 2025 8:34 p.m.
The Sunset Fire has more than doubled since Wednesday, expanding to approximately 1,600 acres, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) reported.
Officials stated that the fire is expanding northeast, exhibiting volatile behavior as it continues to engulf timber. Dense smoke has created difficulties for the aircraft attempting to drop water and retardant compounds on the flames, limiting their ability to fly in the area.
On Thursday afternoon, the North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire, according to IDL.
“Go” evacuation orders remain in effect for residents on Raven Road, Crosswhite Road, Little Blacktail Road, and those east of 2268 Sunset Road. Any residents in these specified areas were ordered to evacuate immediately. IDL added that these orders apply to residents on USFS 630 off Blacktail Road (north of Blacktail), Butler Creek and Butler Creek Spur, from Mirror Lake, diagonal down to USFS 630, including Five Lakes Estates, Jupline Landing, the entire Ponderosa neighborhood and everything south of Talache Road.
“Set” evacuation notices remain in effect for residents on Blacktail Road, a quarter-mile north of Little Blacktail, as well as everything north of Talache Road in Sagle. Residents in these areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice.
“Ready” advisories remain in effect for all residents on Blacktail Road north of the quarter mile and for the community of Bayview in Kootenai County.
For displaced residents, an evacuation center was established at the Cocolalla Bible Camp. Additionally, any displaced livestock can be sheltered at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, however, capacity is limited.
UPDATE: August 14, 2025 11:15 a.m.
Evacuation orders from Bonner County Sheriff’s Office are still in place for the Sunset Fire northeast of Athol, which is now about 1400 acres according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
Evacuation orders are listed below:
GO Status for all residents on Raven Road, Crosswhite Road, Little Blacktail Road and east of 2268 Sunset Rd.SET Status for all residents on Blacktail Rd 1/4 mile north of Little Blacktail.READY Status for all residents on Blacktail north of the 1/4 mile.There is an evacuation reception area at Sagle Elementary School.Evacuated cows and horses can be taken to the fairgrounds.
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has also put the community of Bayview on READY status for evacuation in case winds shift the fire.
Additionally, the Idaho Department of Transportation is temporarily reducing the speed limit on U.S. Highway 95 to 55 miles per hour between Granite Hill and Blacktail Road to support firefighting and public safety.
Idaho State Police will be patrolling the area to make sure drivers follow the reduced speed.
Cooler and wetter weather conditions are expected today, according to the Idaho Department of Lands, but they also predicted gusty winds.
Resources at the fire doubled today in both the air and the ground.
Idaho Department of Lands asked people to avoid the area of the fire and not to fly drones near the fire.
UPDATE: August 13 at 10:00 p.m.
ATHOL, Idaho – The Sunset Fire northeast of Athol has burned an estimated 675 acres, destroying three structures.
Evacuation orders and warnings are in effect, with Bonner County Sheriff’s Office issuing a GO status for residents on Raven Road, Crosswhite Road, Little Blacktail Road, and east of 2268 Sunset Rd.
Residents on Blacktail Rd, 1/4 mile north of Little Blacktail, are under a SET status, while those further north on Blacktail Rd are in READY status.
The Kootenai County Sheriff placed Bayview on READY status as well, should winds change direction.
UPDATE: August 13 at 9:15 p.m.
The American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at Sagle Elementary School, located at 550 Sagle Rd., in response to the ongoing Sunset Fire.
Residents in the area have been advised to evacuate immediately for their safety.
The shelter will provide essential assistance, including food and cots.
Evacuating families are encouraged to bring necessary items, such as prescription medications, extra clothing and important documents.
Special items for children, including diapers and toys, should also be packed.
ATHOL, Idaho — Emergency evacuations are in place northeast of Athol in the Sunset Road and Little Blacktail for a wildfire estimated to be about 50 acres.
The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation notices for homes from 2268 Sunset Road and to the northeast, along with those living on Little Blacktail.
Any side streets in the area of Little Blacktail and Crosswhite were asked to be ready to leave.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: August 13 at 4:30 p.m.
