Officials say the Orofino Hospital Fire is now 100% Contained

Sep 29, 2023

Photo: Michael Stocks

OROFINO HOSPITAL FIRE UPDATE:

OROFINO - As of 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, the Idaho Department of Lands reported that the fire is 100% contained. Mop-up operations are continuing.

Fire officials are grateful for the strong support of cooperating agencies who helped suppress this fire including 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 Fire District.

Officials said Wednesday morning that six homes were lost in a fire that started Tuesday afternoon in Orofino. Multiple outbuildings were also lost. No injuries have been reported.

The fire was first reported around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. It began in the area of State Hospital North, located at 300 Hospital Drive. Crews from the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association, local first responders, and surrounding districts aggressively attacked the fire that grew to an estimated 50-acres.

The Idaho Department of Lands said Tuesday night that precipitation was helpful, but firefighters were waiting for the risk of lightning to subside before beginning mop up operations. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Dent Bridge Road was reopened on Tuesday evening, but Wixson Heights remained closed. Local law enforcement would be escorting Wixson Heights homeowners into the neighborhood starting at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday. Those wishing to be escorted in were asked to call the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Chris Goetz, on Wednesday morning, asked those traveling on Dent Bridge Road to use caution and to not stop where the fire has burned. There will be fire fighters working on both sides of the road along with debris rolling onto the roadway, said Goetz.

Residents in need of lodging were encouraged to go to the old Orofino Junior High. The fair barn was also open for housing animals. The Tabernacle Church, located at 1839 Michigan Avenue, was also open for those being evacuated.

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