BOISE, Idaho — A lightning-sparked wildfire has devastated the north-central Idaho town of Juliaetta. William Howard rushed to assist a friend as flames threatened the property, using barrels of water to extinguish the growing “hot spots.”
In a matter of minutes, during a brief trip to refill the barrels, the wildfire quickly spread due to strong winds, engulfing the area.
A dramatic video captures Howard’s escape, showcasing towering flames consuming both sides of the road. Witnesses report a mobile home and several vehicles ablaze, while nearby trees and brush are consumed by fire.
The video also reveals thick clouds of black and gray smoke that significantly reduced visibility. A fleeting glimpse through the smoke shows a fence line engulfed and large hay bales on fire.
La-Nora Howard, William’s mother, shared the harrowing details online, mentioning that her son heard propane tanks and ammunition exploding as he fled the scene. While Howard has shared his video, he opted not to provide further comments.
This footage is part of numerous posts circulating on social media, depicting the fiery destruction of the once-peaceful agricultural and wooded lands near the Potlatch and Clearwater Rivers. As the flames spread, authorities mandated evacuations for Juliaetta and surrounding communities on Thursday.
The Idaho Department of Lands has reported several structures have been lost in the fast-spreading complex of fires that ignited following a thunderstorm the previous night. The extent of the damage remains unknown as fire crews prioritize evacuation efforts over documenting losses.
Latah County deputies actively notified residents of evacuation orders via loudspeakers and door-to-door visits, complemented by emergency text alerts. The main highway out of Juliaetta remained a battleground for flames while evacuation operations were underway.
The Latah County Fairgrounds has been designated as an emergency shelter for those displaced by the wildfire, providing refuge for both people and livestock.
