September 2, 2021 (Moscow, Idaho) —  On Aug. 30, 2021, at approximately 2:36 pm, the Moscow Rural Fire Department, Moscow Volunteer Fire Department, and Latah County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1168 Idlers Rest Road. First arriving emergency responders reported heavy fire within a large barn and spreading through the pasture surrounding the barn. First responding personnel began fire suppression efforts to address the pasture and barn fire.

Fire apparatus and firefighters from numerous agencies responded to the fire that quickly spread through pasture, fields, and woodlands. Firefighters protected many structures, but unfortunately, the fire completely consumed one residence on West Twin Road.

The weather conditions at the time of the fire consisted of low humidity and high winds. Based on national weather service reports out of Whitman County, the Palouse area was under a red flag warning at the time. 

The Moscow Fire Department Fire Marshal has initiated a fire investigation with the Idaho Department of Lands Fire Investigators and a private insurance company investigator. It has been determined the fire originated inside a barn near the address of 1168 Idlers Rest Road. The fire cause is undetermined. Witness statements, including witness reports suggesting the possibility of a battery charger hooked to a boat inside the barn contributing to the ignition of the fire.

As of this release, Idaho Department of Lands has assumed command of the fire ground, and work continues in the areas impacted by the fire. Crews are expected to have the area cleared and all potential flare ups extinguished by Sat. Sep. 4.