South Boundary Fire Protection District

08/25/2026

Today, South Boundary Fire participated in a full-scale training scenario with Boundary Ambulance and Boundary Community Hospital focused on recognizing and safely managing a hazardous materials incident.

The scenario involved a simulated methamphetamine lab explosion with injured victims and entrapment. No one knew what they were being called to beforehand, and the exercise was run as close to a real incident as possible, including some amazing actors and realistic moulage.

The goal was to test our ability to recognize a hazmat situation, safely care for victims, protect responders, and prevent contamination of our equipment and hospital facilities.

This was an excellent exercise for all three agencies and gave us an opportunity to identify our strengths while also finding areas where we can improve. Training like this is invaluable because it allows us to work through challenges before we have to face them on a real call.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and to Captain Dowdy and Chief Vandecoevering for organizing and putting together such a valuable training opportunity.

We’re always looking for ways to improve, and today was a great step toward being better prepared to protect our community when it matters most. 🚒🚑🏥

08/20/2026

🔥 Caribou Fire update 🔥

We are aware of the wildfire currently burning near our district and are monitoring the situation closely.

At this time, South Boundary Fire is not responding, as the fire is outside our district. However, we remain available and ready to assist if requested through the appropriate channels.

We’ll share additional information as it becomes available.

(Naples, Idaho) – The Caribou Fire is burning northwest of Naples near Ruby Creek in steep, rocky and forested terrain. The fire is currently estimated at 10 acres and 0% contained. There are no homes or buildings threatened and no evacuations in place at this time.

Approximately 90 personnel are assigned to the fire, and a Type 3 team is managing the incident. Firefighting resources include air attack, a helicopter making bucket drops and scoopers. A large airtanker has also been ordered. An additional 20-person crew is expected to arrive tomorrow.

Crews are working in hot and dry conditions in challenging terrain, and those conditions are expected to continue through the weekend. The Idaho Department of Lands’ Kootenai Valley Forest Protective District has protection responsibility, with the U.S. Forest Service and IDL cooperating on the response.

08/12/2026

South Boundary is at the fair through the weekend. Come see us and get your raffle tickets!

08/11/2026

🔥 We’re headed to the Boundary County Fair!

The South Boundary Fire Protection District, South Boundary Firefighters Association, and our Auxiliary are excited to be at the Boundary County Fair this week and weekend!

Stop by our booth, say hello, meet your local firefighters, and enter for a chance to win some pretty incredible raffle prizes! We’ll also have information about our department, our association, and the work we do throughout our community.

More than anything, we’re looking forward to spending time with the people we’re proud to serve. Come find us at the fair, we’d love to see you!

🚒 Meet your firefighters • Get your raffle tickets • Support your local fire service

See you at the Boundary County Fair!

08/07/2026

🚨 STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE NOW IN EFFECT 🚨

As of 12:01 a.m. today (August 7), Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for Boundary County due to critical fire danger. These restrictions apply across applicable state, federal, and private lands outside incorporated city limits and will remain in place until rescinded.

Stage 2 restrictions prohibit:
🔥 Campfires, charcoal fires, and other open fires
🔥 Smoking except in approved areas
🔥 Welding and other open-flame activities
🔥 Driving off established roads
🔥 Other activities that could ignite a wildfire

✅ Propane and other LPG stoves or grills that can be quickly turned off are still permitted.

These restrictions are in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. Our area is rural, heavily forested, and mountainous. A single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire that threatens homes, families, firefighters, and the beautiful forests we all enjoy.

Please do your part to prevent wildfires, and thank you for helping keep Boundary County safe. 💚🚒

08/01/2026

South Boundary is at Grocery Outlet today until 2:00. Come get your raffle tickets!

07/28/2026

We are incredibly fortunate to serve a community that continually supports us in so many ways. Your generosity and kindness help us better serve our neighbors, and we are truly grateful for each and every one of you. ❤️🚒

07/24/2026

The South Boundary Fire Fighters Association is at Tractor Supply in Bonners Ferry today! Right now might not seem like the time to think about firewood, but winter will be here before you know it and what better way to be prepared than to have all your firewood already stocked up! Come see us today and get some raffle tickets for a Logging truck load of premium firewood! 🪵

07/22/2026

Earlier today, Highway 95 was closed for approximately two hours while South Boundary Fire responded to a commercial truck hauling a trailer loaded with sawdust that caught fire.

Our Chief arrived first in Engine 651 and began assessing the incident while simultaneously cooling the fire and coordinating incoming resources. Additional South Boundary firefighters responded with a water tender and brush engine. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) also responded and worked to ensure the fire did not spread into the surrounding vegetation.

The trailer was actively burning on arrival, and when the rear of the trailer was opened, it became clear there was significant fire burning deep inside the load. Fires involving sawdust can smolder beneath the surface and are difficult to extinguish without exposing the burning material.

Because the trailer could not be safely moved while it was actively burning, and the heavy equipment needed to unload it was not available on scene, assistance was requested from Alta Forest Products. Their loader operator carefully tipped the trailer, allowing firefighters to spread out the burning sawdust and fully extinguish the fire. The material was then pushed off the roadway for removal, the trailer was uprighted, and South Boundary Fire remained on scene until the truck was safely escorted back to where it had originated.

We appreciate the patience of the traveling public during the closure and thank the Idaho Department of Lands, Alta Forest Products, the Idaho Transportation Department, and the Boundary County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in bringing incident to a safe conclusion.