A group of good samaritans sprung into action on the 4th of July to prevent a wildfire in Boise, Idaho. It was almost a disaster.
They saved one of the driest and most wide open parts of the city.
If the first responders had not been so quick to the scene, the fire would’ve spread across the entire mountainside toward downtown. They sprung into action and were able to put it out on their own.
Boise, Idaho is dealing with drought conditions.
This past winter was unusually warm in the western half of the United States. Although temperatures have been rising consistently since the 1990s, the entire state of Idaho saw its highest temperatures since 1935.
Fortunately, Boise broke a 114-year-old record for rainfall in April, which certainly helped with some of the problem— but not all. The same can be said for some early summer rains in late June. It was relief. It was not a solution.
The Gem State is still under emergency drought conditions and the southwestern-most corner of the state is especially dry. It is estimated that 68% of residents in Ada County are already impacted. The conditions will only get worse as the summer continues. Communities are forced to prepare for the worst because local reservoirs lack the normal snowfall runoff.
In fact, the City of Boise adopted a Drought Emergency Ordinance on the first of July. The goal is to protect water supply. If necessary, it will require certain watering restrictions for irrigation and recreation. Residents must also be prepared for water restrictions.
Because the terrain is so dry, one little spark can create a much bigger issue. A pair of wildfires that threatened homes in Fort Hall on Thursday were possibly caused by fireworks. Local fire departments were on high alert over the weekend.
Passersby stopped a wildfire on the 4th of July.
As you could imagine, Lucky Peak Lake is a very popular destination for the summer holiday. The body of water, which was created in 1995 with the completion of the dam, is located right outside of Boise city limits.
There is one main road that leads from the city to the boat ramp at lake. Hundreds motor vehicles drove through the area for the three-day weekend. One of the vehicles left a trail of sparks as the chains its a boat trailer scraped along the paved street below. One of the sparks skipped onto the side of the road and started a small fire.
Because of the drought conditions, the small fire was not small for long.
In an act of quick thinking, locals gathered together to put out the flames. It started as just one. Others quickly gathered with hoses, water and the necessary resources to stomp out the fire. Their efforts were a great success!
Mads, a flight attendant and Boise transplant, filmed the entire firefighting venture. She and her boyfriend were first to the scene.
As she said: “what’s more American than a handful of civilians stomping out a wee wildfire?” Nothing. I can’t think of anything!
Boise was saved by a group of Idahoans who were planning to enjoy a day at the lake. They didn’t even need the fire department.