Fast moving Hospital Fire destroys 6 homes in Wixson Heights

by Nancy C. Butler

A fast-moving wildland fire, pushed by winds from a severe thunderstorm moving into the area, quickly burned up the hill from behind State Hospital North into Wixson Heights while firefighters on the ground and in the air fought to stop and control it.

The size of the incident is estimated at 50 acres, but this estimate will be refined later Wednesday with more precise mapping. According to the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office six homes and numerous outbuildings were lost in the fire. Wixson Heights residents are being allowed back into that area, but identification will be checked at the entrance to allow residents only. Power has been restored, but lines are still being repaired.

Officials urge those traveling on Dent Bridge Road to use extreme caution, since suppression operations are continuing along the road, slow moving or parked firefighting equipment and vehicles will be present.

Agencies responding fight the fire include Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service, Orofino Fire Department, Twin Ridge Rural Fire District, Sunnyside Rural Fire District, Kamiah Fire-Rescue and Grangemont Rural Fire District. Fire officials are grateful for the overwhelming support from these cooperators.

Law enforcement worked to evacuate residents in Wixson Heights as the blaze neared their properties and notify people in other parts of the area, they might need to leave their homes. Clearwater County Ambulance Service personnel were staged near the incident.

By 7 p.m. Tuesday, fire officials reported the Hospital Fire was fully surrounded by dozer line but remained 0% contained. While rain helped, firefighters also had to wait for the risk of lightning to subside before beginning mop up operations. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

For a time, Dent Bridge Rd. through the fire area was closed to all but fire vehicles. It reopened but Wixson Heights remains closed to the public. Those who wish to be escorted in, please call the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office at 208-476-4521 and provide contact information.

Red Cross has a shelter set up at the old Orofino Junior High, 479 Michigan, for those who have been displaced by the fire.

A power outage was related to the fire. The outage impacted Orofino, Weippe and Peck complicating the situation for a number of people. (Especially for this reporter getting information out.)

School in session

School is in session. Dr. Michael Garrett, Superintendent of Joint School District #171 issued the following statement:

"Today brings us some bittersweet news. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all of those who have been impacted by the tragic fire yesterday. We realize today will be a struggle for many and offer any support we can give to those in need.

"Power has been restored to all schools in the district and we plan to operate to normal as best we can."