Kootenai County Emergency Management

10/15/2026

Winds will increase out of the west to southwest Saturday. Gusts 25-40 mph will result in stronger crosswinds on north to south highways, reduced visibility from blowing dust, and choppy lakes.

09/25/2026

09/25/2026

Is your household ready if an emergency happens? Preparedness starts at home. Take time today to create and
practice an emergency plan so everyone knows what to do.

- Pick a safe place to meet
- Assign responsibilities
- Practice how to leave safely
- Make a plan on how to stay in touch

You can take an easy step today and make an online family communication plan: https://www.ready.gov/plan-form

09/11/2026

PREPAREDNESS TIP: CHECK YOUR INSURANCE POLICY

When was the last time you actually looked at your insurance policy?

Before disaster strikes, take a few minutes to make sure you know what your policy covers, and what it doesn’t.

✔️ Check your coverage limits
✔️ Know your deductible
✔️ Make sure your home and belongings are adequately covered
✔️ Ask about coverage for wildfire, flooding, or other local hazards
✔️ Keep a current inventory of important belongings and their value

Don’t wait until you need to file a claim to find out what your policy covers. This Preparedness Month, take one more step toward being ready.

09/03/2026

Fire Restrictions Lifted; Community Asked to Stay Fire Smart

Widespread and abundant precipitation combined with cooler temperatures have lowered fire danger across the panhandle of Idaho, prompting federal, state, and tribal land managers to lift all fire restrictions, effective immediately.

This decision impacts the Idaho Panhandle National Forests (including lands in Washington and Montana administered by the IPNF), and all Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Lands, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and private forest and range lands in the five northern counties of Idaho. All other private property owners are advised to check with their fire department for any applicable constraints.

Suppression efforts continue for several fires in the northern panhandle, but recent precipitation and decreased temperatures have lowered fire danger and other indices that inform the need for restrictions. While campfires are no longer restricted, hunters and recreationists are urged to continue to use caution. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure it is cold to the touch before walking away.

🍁Fall is a great time to implement Firewise principles around your property. Learn about the home ignition zone and defensible space by searching online or calling or visiting your local land management office. Fire prevention specialists and foresters are available to connect landowners with information and resources to lower your wildfire risk.

🎆As a reminder, possession and/or use of fireworks is always prohibited on public lands. Burn permits are required for debris burning during closed fire season (May 10-Oct. 20) and will be issued as conditions allow. Contact your local Idaho Department of Lands office for specific information or see http://burnpermits.idaho.gov.

US Forest Service photo

09/03/2026

Fire danger has been downgraded to HIGH, and there are currently no fire restrictions in effect.

That doesn’t mean fire risk is gone. If you’re burning, recreating outdoors, or using equipment that could create a spark, please use extra caution and make sure your fire is completely out before you leave.

For more information on fire restrictions, visit the Idaho Fire Restrictions Finder:
https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire.../fire-restrictions-finder/

09/03/2026

🚨 ARSON INVESTIGATION: COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE NEEDED 🚨

On August 15th, an intentionally set fire was discovered in a wooded area near Mineral Dr & Canfield Ave. The fire was reported around 3:40 a.m. and quickly extinguished by the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department.

At nearly the same time, firefighters were responding to a separate structure fire on North Wheatfield, less than a mile away. The simultaneous incidents stretched emergency resources and required mutual aid assistance. Thankfully, the structure was unoccupied.

Following a joint investigation by the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, Idaho Department of Lands, and an ignitable-liquid-detection K-9 team, the Mineral Drive fire has been officially classified as arson.

Investigators have obtained surveillance footage showing an individual riding a bicycle in the area of Wilbur and Mineral near the Idaho State Police building during the early morning hours. Due to low light conditions, the individual has not yet been identified.

🔎 Did you see anything? Anyone who lived in, traveled through, or has camera footage from the area bounded by Hanley Ave, Prairie Ave, Ramsey Rd, and Highway 95 between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on August 15th is urged to come forward.

📞 Arson Reward Line: 1-877-75-ARSON (27766)

09/01/2026

It's finally September, and you know what that means:
Its National Preparedness Month AND Kootenai County Preparedness Month!

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing tips and resources to help you get ready, stay informed, and know what to do when an emergency happens.

Here are a few ways you can start preparing today:

- Sign up for Alert! Kootenai emergency notifications
- Know your evacuation zone and have a plan
- Build or update your emergency kit
- Make sure you have enough food, water, and other essentials
- Talk with your family about where you’ll go and how you’ll communicate during an emergency
- Stay informed by following trusted local emergency information sources

Preparedness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one small step today, you’ll be glad you did when it matters most.

08/25/2026

Dry and breezy conditions will raise the risk for rapid fire spread across the region over the next couple of days.

Wednesday, Aug 26 (Elevated): Central Washington will see south winds shifting to the west of 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph and relative humidity levels between 15-25%.

Thursday, Aug 27 (Elevated to Critical): A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from 12 PM to 8 PM for parts of central Washington. Expect stronger west to southwest winds with gusts up to 35 mph in central WA and up to 25 mph across Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

08/25/2026

CERT Training is back for the Fall Season!

Do you have a passion for disaster preparedness and response? If so, Kootenai County's CERT Program may be perfect for you!
Classes begin September 22nd, if you're interested in participating visit https://www.kcsheriff.com/298/CERT to register!