Firefighters respond to wildland fire off Sunnyside Bench Rd. about a mile into Nez Perce County

Firefighters from Sunnyside Rural Fire District (SRFD), Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (C-PTPA) and Idaho Department of Lands Ponderosa Supervisory Area (IDL - Deary) responded to the Sunnyside Fire off Sunnyside Bench Road about a mile over the border from Clearwater County into Nez Perce County Thursday afternoon around 2:30.

The wildland fire burned 3.75 acres primarily in grass (both green and last year's) and brush, according to Sunnyside Chief Rich Hull. There were no structures threatened or impacted, though SRFD positioned a structure engine at nearby residence. Its cause was a debris burn that got away. The area is in SRFD's district.

It was declared controlled and contained around 6 p.m. Hull said he appreciated the prompt response by C-PTPA and IDL. Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office also responded to the scene.

Though it is still early in wildland fire season, residents and visitors need to be use caution when burning. Just a reminder, Burn Permits are required beginning Saturday, May 10 and continuing through Oct. 20. For further information about Burn Permits see the IDL website: https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/.