Category: kifi-local-news

Curtis Jackson

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Double Spring Fire has grown to 1,021 acres on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, according to fire managers on Monday.

The wildfire was first reported on July 24, about 21 miles southeast of Challis and is burning in steep, rocky terrain, that is making it difficult for firefighters to access on the ground.

Fire activity increased significantly over the weekend. The fire expanded from roughly 150 acres to more than 1,000 acres in the past two days because of weather conditions.

Double Spring Fire burning southeast of Challis.

Despite the growth, fire managers said cooler temperatures and higher humidity on Monday helped slow fire behavior, resulting in minimal fire activity and limited growth.

The Forest Service has closed Roads 114 (Rock Springs Road), 115 (Christian Gulch Road), and 288 (Dead Cat Canyon Road) because of the fire.

Double Spring Fire burning southeast of Challis.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Fire Department is responding to a natural gas leak in downtown Idaho Falls after a construction crew accidentally struck a gas line.

As a precaution, B Street is closed between Park Avenue and Shoop Avenue, including the intersection of B Street and A Street. The department is asking people to avoid driving or walking through the area until the leak is resolved.

Nearby businesses have been evacuated, and an emergency alert was sent to cell phones within the affected area.

Intermountain Gas is on scene working to stop the leak.

Once the gas has been shut off and emergency crews determine the area is safe, people will be allowed to return to evacuated businesses.

Local News 8 will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Par Kermani

HEISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Big Rock Fire near Heise and Kelly Canyon Resort remains very active and at 0% containment as officials warn people to stay out of the fire area and obey road closures.

“Crews were able to secure Heise Road on the first night, and we were able to protect all the structures along Heise Road – working to the west and then to the north, up in the ag fields up to the north of the fire, up on the mesa.” said Incident Commander Type III Kory Davis, who’s helping lead the Bureau of Land Management efforts to fight the fire. “Then we were able to secure a fire perimeter edge along Kelly Canyon up on the rim there, keeping fire out of Kelly Canyon.”

More than 125 firefighters are combatting the blaze. The men and women are split into four crews – with 15 fire engines, five bulldozers, multiple water tenders and two helicopters.

Officials said current road closures are expected to remain in place through the coming week and could be extended depending on fire conditions and ongoing operations. South Snake River Road, Lyons Creek Road and Forest Service Roads east of Kelly Canyon are off limits.

Emergency crews have reported people attempting to get closer to the fire by going around barricades and road-closed signs. Officials are asking the public not to bypass those closures.

“We understand people may want to get a closer look at the fire, but the roads are closed for a reason,” said the Madison County Sheriff‘s Office in a social media post. “Do not circumvent barricades, road-closed signs, or other closures to access the fire area.”

Officials said entering closed areas creates additional safety concerns and could interfere with firefighters and law enforcement working near the fire.

People in the area are being asked to follow instructions from fire personnel and law enforcement and stay away from active fire operations.

Officials said additional updates will be released as conditions change.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 03 AUG 26 15:08 ET

By Brittney Ermon

Click here for updates on this story

    WEST COVINA, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A West Covina family learned about Saturday’s deadly mass shooting at an In-N-Out in Idaho the same as many did — a news alert on their phone. And for the ensuing moments, time felt like an excruciating, panic-inducing eternity.

Their Southern California-based 24-year-old daughter was part of an “all-star team” assembled to travel to Twin Falls, Idaho, to help train new associates as they open the new location. Around 2:30 p.m. local time, shots rang out as a gunman entered the store.

The Ahern’s were alerted to the shooting through the Citizen App, and knowing their daughter was there, they awaited a phone call from their daughter. It never came, at least from her phone, they said.

While the shooting was active, their daughter fled the scene without her cell phone, delaying her ability to contact family to let them know she was OK. She was later able to reach her parents from a friend’s phone, but for Nikki and Micheal Ahern, that wait was excruciating.

“All she could get out [on the initial phone call] was ‘mommy, mommy, mommy,’ crying, ‘mommy, I’m alive’,” Nikki said.

Micheal said he asked his daughter if police officers had arrived yet and if she was safe, which she said yes to, but added that a co-worker had been shot.

The Twin Falls Police Department later confirmed that three died and seven others were wounded after 24-year-old Chad Williams opened fire at the restaurant. In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder said a female employee was one of those killed.

Williams later turned the gun on himself and died.

Even hundreds of miles away, the fear centered in a Southern Idaho city was felt in West Covina.

“[It felt like] being powerless,” Nikki said. “It took a long time for clarification.”

The Ahern’s turned their attention to In-N-Out, saying that the company failed to alert them to the active situation and didn’t provide crucial information.

“There’s got to be a protocol,” Micheal said. “Like, you have an emergency contact list, right?”

CBS LA reached out to In-N-Out to ask about those protocols, but is yet to hear back.

The Ahern’s said their daughter still is without a cell phone, but she’s expected to return to Southern California on Monday.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — If you spot a moose wandering through your neighborhood this summer, Idaho Fish and Game says there may be a reason why.

During late spring and summer, the department frequently responds to reports of yearling moose wandering into residential and urban areas at lower elevations.

According to Idaho Fish and Game, mother moose will drive away their roughly 1-year-old calves as they prepare for new offspring. Those young moose are then left searching for new territory, food and water.

As they disperse from higher elevations, yearling moose can follow rivers and agricultural corridors that eventually lead them into populated areas. Sightings typically peak between May and July.

While a young moose wandering through town may attract attention, Fish and Game is reminding people to keep their distance.

Moose are large, powerful animals that can move quickly and should not be approached or treated like domesticated animals. Signs of agitation can include pinned-back ears or a lowered head, which could indicate the animal may charge.

Pet owners should also keep dogs leashed and away from moose. Dogs can provoke a defensive response from the animal, increasing the risk of a charge.

If a moose appears stuck, aggressive or is creating a safety concern in a populated area, contact Idaho Fish and Game.

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Par Kermani

UPDATE (Aug. 4):

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man reported missing during evacuations for the Big Rock Fire near Heise.

Robert Michael Quinn, known as “Robbie,” was last seen Friday, July 31, during the wildfire evacuation. The sheriff’s office said Tuesday that its search for Quinn remains active and there is concern for his welfare.

Quinn is 64 years old, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes, but officials said his head was shaved when he was last seen.

Quinn was wearing tan sweatpants and no shirt at the time of his disappearance. He was last seen in the vicinity of the Big Rock Fire evacuation area, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

The new information comes after the sheriff’s office previously told Local News 8 that the individual “took off” during Big Rock Fire evacuations Friday night. Law enforcement has been searching for him since.

Anyone who has seen Quinn since July 31 or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 208-745-9210.

ORIGINAL STORY:

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing person who disappeared during evacuations for the Big Rock Fire Friday night.

Sheriff’s officials told Local News 8 the individual “took off” during the evacuations and has not been located.

Law enforcement is currently searching for the individual and remains in contact with the person’s guardians.

The sheriff’s office has not yet released the person’s name, age, description or the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

Local News 8 is working to learn more and will update this story as additional information becomes available.

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Par Kermani

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to stop harassing an innocent man who shares the same name as the deceased suspect in the recent In-N-Out shooting.

In a social media post, authorities said a man named Chad Williams has been mistakenly associated with the shooting because he shares the suspect’s name.

“This Chad Williams is alive and well and not related to the incident in Twin Falls,” the post said.

According to the post, the man has been receiving threats and his social media profile has reportedly been circulated in connection with the shooting.

Authorities are now asking people to verify information before sharing social media profiles or identifying people online.

“I am asking people to stop using innocent people’s profiles that have nothing to do with this situation,” the post said.

The Twin Falls Police Department is aware of the situation, according to the post.

Local News 8 has reached out to Williams for comment.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — First responders are on the scene of a crash along U.S. Highway 20 near County Line Road (Milepost 320) that has shut down the far right lane.

According to ITD, the crash response began around 4:08 p.m near near County Line Road (MM 320).

The right lane is currently blocked. Details surrounding the incident are limited at this time. However, photos from the scene indicate that at least one vehicle, a white Dodge Ram truck towing a trailer, was involved. It remains unclear if additional vehicles were impacted or if any injuries have been reported.

Drivers traveling through the area are urged to use caution when passing the crash.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional updates as we learn new details.

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Linda Larsen

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — At least three people are dead and five others injured following a shooting Saturday afternoon at an In-N-Out location in Twin Falls, police confirmed to news partner KMVT.

The suspected shooter is also dead, according to Twin Falls Police. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or specified the cause of death.

“We are working to try to ascertain his identity and the motivations behind that. We’ll be able to figure that out in the coming days,” Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks told reporters Saturday.

Police plan to hold a news conference at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Police say the shooting began inside the In-N-Out before moving outside in a busy commercial area on the city’s north side. The location had only been open for one week before the violence erupted, according to reports by CNN.

In-N-Out Owner Responds

At least one of the victims was an In-N-Out employee. In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder expressed her heartbreak on social media following the tragedy.

“We lost one of our beautiful Associates tonight. She was taking care of our most important asset – our Customers, and her life was taken by a disgusting human who doesn’t value the lives of others or his own,” wrote Snyder. “…IN-N-OUT will be mourning with the families and praying for them as they tread through a very painful season. I am no stranger to loss, but this is so incredibly tough, and my heart also goes out to all of the Associates and Customers who were there during this traumatic event.”

Snyder expressed her love for the entire community, asking them to “turn to God, not in anger, but seeking comfort and strength for those who are hurting.”

“We will stand together, and we will do everything we can to learn from this situation,” wrote Snyder.

FBI Seeking Public Video and Tips

The FBI has established a digital media tip line for the public to submit images and videos related to the shooting that occurred yesterday at In-N-Out. To submit photos, videos, dashcam footage, or other tips, click HERE.

“Even small details may help investigators. Thank you for your assistance and support as law enforcement continues this investigation,” said the FBI on social media.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 01 AUG 26 19:20 ET

Updated: 02 AUG 26 07:24 ET

By Dalia Faheid, CNN

Editor’s note: EDITOR’S NOTE:  Follow our live coverage of the wildfires in the Northwest here.

(CNN) — Thousands of families have been ordered to flee their homes as a fast-moving wildfire grows in Spokane County, Washington, filling the skies with thick smoke and backing up traffic on some roads while state officials warn of an incredibly dangerous situation on the ground.

The Old Trails Fire – fueled by extreme fire weather conditions – has burned nearly 3,000 acres, Washington State Forester George Geissler said at a news conference Saturday, adding about 4,000 buildings are threatened in the area.

The full extent of the damage is not yet clear, but officials said the fire is impacting structures.

“When the sun sets and the sun rises in the morning, I think we’re going to be in shock to see some of the scenes that emerge out of there,” Washington National Guard Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh said.

The highest level of evacuation order, Level 3, was issued for several areas in the Spokane area due to the Old Trails Fire, local emergency management officials said, urging residents to “leave now due to the life-threatening conditions.” An evacuation shelter was opened at a community college for residents fleeing their homes.

Across the state, more than 200,000 acres are burning from 12 large fires, the governor’s office said. The Old Trails Fire is one of multiple blazes burning in Spokane County, where several thousand homes were under evacuation orders, emergency management officials told CNN.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson implemented a statewide state of emergency and burn ban Saturday morning as the National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning across Central and Eastern Washington – a rare designation reserved for the most severe fire weather conditions.

This marks the first time the weather service has issued such a warning in Washington, meaning “new fires can grow out of control rapidly, our aircraft response may be limited by wind and smoke, and our already taxed wild land firefighters will be in more dangerous conditions,” the Washington Department of Natural Resources said.

“You’ve got fires burning in towns. You’ve got level 3 evacuations like I haven’t seen before,” Welsh said. “This is a very dangerous and very complex series of events.”

Extreme conditions fuel flames

The Old Trails Fire started around noon Saturday and state firefighters were mobilized around 1:30 p.m., according to a news release from the Washington State Fire Marshal. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Ferguson said by the late afternoon, he had received word “Spokane was rapidly moving into a crisis situation.”

“Our hearts go out to Washingtonians who are losing their homes and being evacuated,” the governor said, describing seeing video of homes in flames.

Video shows smoke rising over Spokane County on Saturday as wildfires spread across the area. Orange and gray clouds loomed over houses and parks.

“This is a nuclear bomb going off in our neighborhoods,” Spokane resident Brent Dallman told CNN affiliate KHQ. “This is condensed into where it’s demographically a lot of people, so it’s really tragic.”

Along with homes, the Old Trails Fire is threatening Riverside State Park and has forced evacuations at Spokane’s veterans’ hospital, water reclamation facility and waste energy plant, city officials said.

Near the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire is also forcing Level 3 evacuations in the Spokane area.

The National Weather Service issued a rare Fire Warning for the county – used when active fires are burning in inhabited areas under emergency evacuation orders.

“Fire and EMS resources across our region are being stretched extremely thin as multiple large wildfires continue to burn,” Spokane Valley Fire Department said.

On Friday, Ferguson activated 110 members of the Washington National Guard to aid with firefighting. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has also mobilized 13 task forces.

Authorities had warned of “historically strong winds” and low humidity fueling a high risk of extreme fire behavior and very rapid growth in the Spokane area.

Winds picked up Saturday with many locations reporting wind gusts 30-45 mph alongside sustained winds of 15-25 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Winds will continue to strengthen over the next couple hours and peak forecast winds will continue through 8 p.m.

Avista, an energy company, shut off power to hundreds of homes in some areas Saturday “due to critical to extreme fire weather conditions.” Another company, Inland Power & Light, also reported outages caused by the weather.

The wildfire is growing as Washington is in the middle of its fourth consecutive statewide drought, according to the governor’s office. More than 1,000 fires have burned about 425,000 acres so far this year — the most burned since 2021, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

More than 4,000 personnel are working to quell blazes across the state, officials said at the news conference.

“This year has already been one of our busiest wildfire years on record, and we just started August,” Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said in the news release.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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