Hazardous Air Quality, Wildfires, and Policy Shifts: Inland Northwest Night Report

Tonight's Creme 2 News Night Report, anchored by Sydney Scofield, spotlighted ongoing environmental hazards, emergency responses, and shifting city policies in the Inland Northwest. Meteorologist Cody Proctor issued a Weather Impact Alert, citing 'hot temperatures and hazy skies' as a consequence of wildfire smoke. Spokane is facing a 98 AQI ('just barely over that line'), forecast to worsen for sensitive groups. A heat advisory remains in effect through Thursday night, covering Eastern and Central Washington and Idaho's panhandle.

Wildfire updates included:

• Southwest Spokane County: A brush fire burned 22 acres, destroyed three structures (two outbuildings and a barn), and prompted level three 'go now' evacuations, later reduced to level two. No severe injuries reported.
• Kaiser Canyon Fire near Nespillum: Over 68,000 acres, 0% containment, level three evacuations ongoing for Rebecca Lake, Belvedere, Buffalo Lake Road, and Columbia River campground; level two for parts of Nespillum.
• Moderate Fire southwest of Inchilium: Over 7,900 acres burned, 0% containment, level three evacuations for Willmont Creek. Shelter established at Kettle Falls Middle School.
• Franklin County: Lions Ferry Fire (34,000+ acres) at 90% containment; Devil's Canyon and F Jones fires fully contained. All evacuations lifted.
• Upper Smith Fire northwest of Bonners Ferry: 877 acres, 0% containment, no evacuations but road closures in place.

Spokane County Commissioners Amber Waldorf and Chris Jordan proposed a nine-month moratorium on new data centers following Avista's halted 500 megawatt facility talks. Commissioners Al French and Chris Kerns warned such a moratorium might deter investment.

Law enforcement reported the arrest of Ethan Denmark, suspected of impersonating officers and using a black Ford Explorer equipped with police-style gear to pull over vehicles on Interstate 90. Washington State Patrol advised checking patrol vehicles, uniforms, and officer ID for legitimacy.

Former Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey, sentenced for a 2023 careless driving charge, will serve two years probation, pay a $300 fine, and use an interlock device for a year following a crash in Osborne. Lindsey attributed her resignation and actions to struggles with mental health, alcohol, and kratom use.

Sandpoint paused its new paid parking program after backlash from residents and business owners. Bleeding Hearts Tattoo Emporium claimed a 70% revenue drop in two weeks post-kiosk rollout compared to July last year. Mayor Jeremy Grimm stated kiosks are paused until end of summer, reverting to a two-hour maximum downtown; those at city lots and beach remain active. The city spends $1 million annually maintaining parks and amenities, seeking 'a creative way to maintain these amenities and a fair way for everyone to help support them.'