Fires threaten Pocatello

Idaho State University can often feel insulated from the surrounding Pocatello. Sure, as students we live here for at least six months out of the year, but despite that, the problems that Pocatello faces don’t always affect the students at Idaho State. However, some events have occurred this summer in Pocatello that affect us all.
As the returning students will remember, we had a remarkably mild winter this last year. And while it was pleasant to be able to forgo the bother of winter boots and chapped hands, winter sports were nearly impossible. But more seriously than that, the lack of significant snowfall resulted in an incredibly dangerous summer for many across Idaho and the country at large. Early warm temperatures and an absence of any significant wet season have left Pocatello dry as tinder, and just as likely to burn.
The conditions were increasingly dangerous all summer, and reached a head late in June with the Charlotte Fire. High winds and dry fuel resulted in a fire spanning over 1,000 acres that was quickly beyond any control. Thousands were evacuated from their homes in the Gibson Jack and Mink Creek areas, and an estimated $7.6 million in personal damages were incurred before the fire was extinguished.
More than 65 homes were ultimately burned down, and although there were no human fatalities, many family pets were caught in the devastation. The trigger for the fire remains a relative mystery, although fire officials maintain that it was human in nature.
ISU’s Holt Arena was used as an emergency shelter for evacuees, and the university offered additional assistance by hosting a spaghetti feed fundraiser to benefit victims.
Though the Charlotte Fire has long since been extinguished, it’s important to remember that the danger is still present.
Even on the ISU campus, it’s imperative that we the students are careful to use clear thinking when dealing with anything that can result in a fire.
ISU is soon to be a smoke-free campus, but until that change takes place any smokers must be careful to ensure that all cigarettes are fully extinguished before being discarded. Those who venture out on Red Trail or make the trek to the Pillars especially must be sure to avoid any possibility of causing a fire, as the grasses on that area of campus are dry and therefore extremely flammable.
In this dangerous time, it’s important that we keep in mind the impact our actions can have on those around us, and in the community at large. The Charlotte Fire was caused by human actions, and could have been prevented by the same. So while we may or may not welcome our return to classrooms and schedules and homework, we need to remember the greater picture around us, and to act with caution in any activity that could worsen conditions and possibly result in danger.
Any students wishing to volunteer to help the victims of the Charlotte Fire can visit isu.edu/firesupport for more information.