Skip to main content

Stand 2 - Town of Wallace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

By early July, wildfires became widespread throughout the region. Dry lightning in conjunction with a wind event on the 11th caused multiple fires to ignite and spread throughout the northwest. In Washington, western Montana and north Idaho, there were approximately 3,600 firefighters at work. In British Colombia, Oregon, and Washington, half a dozen logging towns were burned over, and several people were killed as a result.

The Secretary of Agriculture visits Region 1 in mid-July and approves additional emergency firefighting funds, bringing the forest fire fund into operation for the first time. In addition, the Western Forestry Association telegraphs President Taft and requests military assistance to provide additional firefighting forces. By late July, strong winds again increase the size of existing fires and hundreds of new fires start by lightning and human activity.

Town of Wallace memorial
The 1910 firefighter memorial is easily located in the Exit 61 rest area.
This memorial was erected during the summer of 2010. ​​​​​This area
would make a good site to facilitate Stand 2.

During the first week of August, the town of Wallace receives ash fallout; and heavy smoke obscures visibility and makes breathing difficult. Forest Supervisor Weigle organizes the defense of the town. Throughout the first weeks of August, windy conditions continue to influence large fire growth. Strategy shifts to controlling new starts near high-value areas resulting in fewer backcountry fires being controlled. The evening of August 19, I Company of the 25th Regiment is recalled to Wallace for fire suppression duties. The Company is to assist in the impending evacuation.

Around noon on the 20th, the Palouse winds hit the Coeur d'Alene area. All existing fires begin to spread rapidly and new fires start from heavy fallout. By that evening, the remaining townsfolk of Wallace are given the order to evacuate. At approximately 2100, embers ignite open buckets of solvent outside Wallace's The Times; winds were estimated at 40 to 60 mph

Location (SRS)
POINT (-115.9330556 47.4780556)
Related Stand
Staff Ride to the 1910 Idaho Fire

NWCG Latest Announcements

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal