Slash Pile Fires Spiral Out of Control in Idaho

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Firefighters from Nez Perce County Fire and Lapwai Fire responded to a report of a tree on fire on Webb Road in Lewiston, Idaho yesterday afternoon. Upon arrival, they found two slash piles burning, with one tree described as "burning like a Roman candle". A private contractor attempted to knock down the top 10 feet of the burning tree, while firefighters hosed down the rest of the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Why it matters

Slash pile burning is a common forestry practice, but can pose serious fire risks if not properly managed, especially in dry, windy conditions. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and safety protocols when conducting controlled burns to avoid uncontrolled wildfires that threaten nearby homes and businesses.

The details

According to the release from Nez Perce County Fire, the incident occurred around 5:30 PM yesterday on Webb Road. Firefighters arrived to find two slash piles actively burning, with one large tree "burning like a Roman candle". A private contractor on the scene attempted to knock down the top 10 feet of the burning tree, while firefighters used hoses to extinguish the rest of the blaze.

• The incident occurred around 5:30 PM on January 27, 2026.

What’s next

The fire department will likely investigate the cause of the uncontrolled slash pile fires to determine if any safety protocols were violated and make recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.