County moves to Stage II restrictions

Sparks from a passing train ignited fires near both the West and East ramps in Thompson Falls last Wednedsay. Residents and officials responded to two separate fires along the railroad tracks. Witnesses reported seeing sparks coming from a train engine traveling west through Thompson Falls, after which two grass fires started.

"We were stopped at the tracks waiting for the train to go by. As it went by, I noticed that one of the engines was blowing very heavy black smoke. I thought it was odd. As the train went by and the arms lifted, Roy (Tina's husband) looked over to the right and noticed that the train started a fire," said Tina Scott of Thompson Falls.

Residents grabbed shovels and hoses to help fight the blaze until firefighters arrived.

Sanders County Commissioners on Thursday signed a resolution enacting Stage II fire restrictions. The order went into effect at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.