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Idaho Statesman
One of Idaho’s most beloved areas is going up in flames. See ‘heartbreaking’ images
By Sally Krutzig,
3 days ago
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.
The Wapiti wildfire had burned 79,745 acres by Wednesday afternoon. Custer County Sheriff's Office
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.”
Firefighters from multiple agencies have traveled to the Stanley area to assist fighting the Wapiti wildfire. National Interagency Fire Center
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.
Wildfire reached Stanley Lake on Aug. 22. On Aug. 24, Custer County Sheriff Ethan Kelly issued a first wave of evacuation orders. Custer County Sheriff
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.
Areas that were green just a month ago were left burnt and brown by the Wapiti wildfire. Custer County Sheriff's Office Officials have employed aerial firefighting techniques in Stanley. Custer County Sheriff's Office The Wapiti wildfire spews smoke into the air near Stanley. Bea Glass A plane dips water out of Redfish Lake to carry to the Wapiti wildfire. Custer County Sheriff's Office Smoke from the Wapiti wildfire billows across Custer County. Custer County Sheriff's Office An aerial firefighting aircraft was seen from downtown Stanley. Custer County Sheriff's Office Firefighters work through the night to combat the Wapiti fire. Custer County Sheriff's Office The Wapiti Fire was started by lightning on July 24, about two miles southwest of Grandjean. Cheyenne's Captures Law enforcement, including Custer County Sheriff’s Office deputies, were at the scene of the Wapiti Fire. Custer County Sheriff's Office “While the surrounding valley is burned, the lake is not looking bad at all,” the Custer County Sheriff’s Office posted on Tuesday evening. “We hope these photos will give the community some good news! The last time we saw footage of Stanley Lake it was pretty heartbreaking.” Custer County Sheriff's Office Firefighters work to combat the Wapiti wildfire west of Stanley. National Interagency Fire Center. The Boise County Sheriff’s Office posted photos on Friday of the Hanging Valley subdivision, located north of Lowman, after Hotshot Fire crews waged a “heroic battle through the night against the relentless Wapiti Fire, standing between the flames and the (subdivison).” Boise County Sheriff's Office
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