One of Idaho’s most beloved areas is going up in flames. See ‘heartbreaking’ images

The Wapiti Fire in Custer County has increased nearly ninefold in size in the span of one week, from 9,000 acres last Tuesday to 79,000 acres on Wednesday.

More than 800 personnel are working to combat its spread, but the wildfire remains at 0% containment, according to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise.

Idahoans across the state have watched as the area around Stanley — one of Idaho’s most iconic small towns — continues to burn. Images shared by law enforcement, government agencies and locals show the picturesque area awash in smoke and flames.

The photos may be jarring for those with memories of hiking beneath the towering Sawtooths, swimming in Redfish Lake or Stanley Lake, or grabbing a sandwich from Stanley Baking.

Or for those who grew up in Custer County.

Kathy Rodgers, chief dispatcher and public information officer with the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, better known as the “mom of the office,” has kept those who love Stanley informed on the latest news. Each day, she posts photos and information on the sheriff’s Facebook page as deputies in the field send her updates.

“We love the beauty of the area and the people of the area,” Rodgers told the Idaho Statesman by phone. “Our main priority is to keep everybody safe and keep them updated as quickly as possible on anything that develops.”

Since a July 24 lightning bolt started the fire, it has been an all-hands-on-deck month for law enforcement officers living in Custer County. On top of the physical toll, it’s been emotionally challenging to see the fire devastate their county, according to Rodgers.

Earlier this summer, Rodgers and a couple of other Sheriff’s Office employees hosted an education day at Stanley Lake. Rodgers said it was difficult when a deputy sent images of that same area covered in smoke and fire.

“To see the video and the pictures that he had posted when the fire started moving in, we were pretty much in tears because it’s dear to our hearts,” Rodgers said.

Two deputies living in Stanley with their young families have had to evacuate and move into campers. Amid monitoring fire activity, keeping traffic away from closed areas and the other tasks on their plate, the deputies have had little time to spend with their loved ones.

“I don’t even know if they’ve slept in the past week,” Rodgers said. “They had to displace their families, put them in campers with their wives and kids, and then they’re not there. They’re out constantly with the fire, going to the meetings and getting the updates. Last night, they were all over Lower Stanley notifying the residents to find somewhere else to go.”

Rodgers said law enforcement will continue working to deal with the Wapiti Fire as long as necessary — though she’s still holding out hope for a miracle.

“We’ve pretty much never wanted snow in August as much as we do right now,” Rodgers said.

The Statesman collected images and videos from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office and others that show the devastation created by the Wapiti Fire.

Sign Up for the Idaho Way