Wildfire — Central Panhandle Mountains, Idaho

2021-09-01 to 2021-09-30 · Central Panhandle Mountains, Idaho

Event narrative

The Character Complex was composed of two wildfires ignited by lightning north of Kellogg, Idaho on July 10th: Deceitful and Prichard fires. The fires burned a total of 12,367 acres before fully contained on September 30th. There were 14 firefighter injuries and 3 structures lost. The cost of the firefighting resources required to contain the fire was calculated at $29,123,714.

Wider weather episode

Trestle Creek Complex, Character Complex, and Larkins Complex wildfires were all ignited by lightning due to passing thunderstorms in the Idaho Panhandle. In addition, hot and breezy days created rapid spread and spot fires in the dry fuels. An increase in wetting rains and cooler temperatures in September minimized spread and led to perimeter containment of the three wildfire complexes.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 984676. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.