County reviews recovery steps after Tartar Fire

Before recessing Monday morning to attend the Tartar Fire cooperators meeting at Weiser High School, Washington County Commissioners heard updates from Emergency Manager Johnny Biddinger and Sheriff Matt Thomas on recovery efforts and communication repairs following the wildfire’s rapid spread through rangeland north of Weiser.

 Biddinger reported that emergency radio service had been restored thanks to swift collaboration among local utilities and contractors. 

 “Huge thanks to Brian Graham and MTE, Hata Electric, and Idaho Power,” he said, noting that crews replaced damaged power lines and temporarily re-established the county’s repeater system. Comfort Zone technicians also responded immediately to repair cooling equipment for the server room. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management provided technical support and a generator at no cost, allowing the county to maintain communications until permanent power was restored.

 The generator building at the repeater site was damaged when its roof burned off during the fire. Sheriff Thomas told commissioners he had filed an insurance claim to replace the generator and proposed installing a new unit outdoors within a secure enclosure. He also suggested adding a second repeater on Sagebrush Hill above the Weiser River Cattle Feeders feed lots to ensure backup coverage if another disaster strikes. 

 “We’ll bring it forward to the 911 committee,” Thomas said, “and see if they want to pay for it. If not, we’ll figure out how to fund it through the county.”

 Commissioner Nate Marvin thanked emergency staff for their coordination and transparency throughout the incident. 

 “I quit going to the co-op meetings because I was getting all the information I needed on my phone,” he said. 

 Thomas acknowledged that the chaotic early hours revealed gaps in the county’s notification system, promising an after action review once the fire response concludes. 

 “Under the situation, no one got killed,” he added. “That’s what’s important to me.”

 Damage assessments remain underway for ranchers and homeowners. Biddinger said a public survey would be released Monday evening to help residents document losses and connect with state and federal assistance programs. 

 “There’s no way we’re going to make people whole again,” he said, “but we’ll at least put them in contact with the right people to help ease that along.” He said he planned to include livestock specific questions to support USDA relief applications.

 Commissioners also discussed the surge of community donations. With fencing materials, feed, and other supplies arriving at multiple drop off points, Biddinger said officials are working to identify a single coordinator to streamline collection and distribution. 

 “It’s a great problem to have,” he said. “Our community is very giving.”

 As of Monday morning, the Tartar Fire had burned 158,027 acres and was reported 87 percent contained, with 616 personnel assigned. Firefighters continued mop up operations near Adams Creek and Mann Creek Road while repair crews restored fences and ranch roads. The Fox Fire across the Snake River in Oregon, newly under the same incident command, covered 79,000 acres at 64 percent containment, and the Powder River Fire west of Richland stood at 96 percent containment. Officials warned of increased winds and a 20 percent chance of lightning later in the week, with smoke continuing to affect Weiser, McCall, and Ontario.

 As containment nears completion, Incident Commander Jay Lusher told residents Monday evening the Southwest Team One management group expects to begin transitioning control of the Tartar Fire back to local agencies by Thursday. Portions of the team have already redeployed to assist with other fires in the West, while remaining crews continue mop-up and patrol operations. Officials emphasized that local units will maintain a visible presence as rehabilitation work begins.

 National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Leach reported that the area will see continued north-northwest winds through midweek, shifting to the southwest by Thursday with a slight chance of thunderstorms. While rainfall is expected to be light, lightning remains a concern for potential new starts. Leach noted that the fire’s stability under recent wind patterns shows the effectiveness of containment efforts.

 Washington County Emergency Manager Johnny Biddinger also introduced residents to VOAD, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, a statewide network of faith-based and nonprofit groups that coordinate post-fire assistance. Through VOAD, residents can access help with cleanup, temporary housing, and other recovery needs. 

 Biddinger encouraged those affected to complete the county’s online needs and damage assessment surveys to connect with available resources and ensure equitable recovery support.