Airplane’s mechanical problems believed to have started fires near CDA Airport
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Several fires near the Coeur d’Alene Airport Monday were believed to have been started by a departing airplane that experienced mechanical problems during takeoff.
The Northern Lakes Fire District reports that the fires started around 2:30 p.m. on July 30 were likely caused by an aircraft contracted by the US Forest Service to assist in fire suppression. Up to eight fires were reported in the Rathdrum and Hayden areas around this time.
Witnesses say that aircraft experienced mechanical problems during take-off and immediately circled around to return to the airport safely. However, it is believed the plane discharged some sort of material as a result of the mechanical problem, starting those fires within a five-mile radius of the airport.
The fires were quickly under control Monday evening and re-inspected the following days to put out hot spots.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
