Fact Check: "The Nettleton Gulch Fire spread to 15-20 acres due to delayed firefighting efforts."
What We Know
The Nettleton Gulch Fire, which began on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, has indeed spread to an area of approximately 15 to 20 acres. This information was confirmed by the Idaho Department of Lands, which stated that the fire had "spread to 15 to 20 acres, with numerous snags and steep terrain" (WTAE, TIME). The firefighting efforts were significantly delayed due to a tragic incident where firefighters were ambushed and shot at while responding to the fire. This ambush resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and injuries to another, which necessitated a law enforcement response to secure the area before firefighting could continue (CNN, AOL).
Analysis
The claim that the Nettleton Gulch Fire spread to 15-20 acres due to delayed firefighting efforts is supported by multiple credible sources. The Idaho Department of Lands provided the acreage details, and the circumstances surrounding the ambush were reported by various news outlets, including CNN and TIME. The ambush caused a delay in firefighting operations as law enforcement had to ensure the safety of the responders before they could engage with the fire (CNN, TIME).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The information regarding the fire's spread and the delays in firefighting efforts is corroborated by multiple reports, indicating a consensus on the events that transpired. The sheriff's statements and the official reports from the Idaho Department of Lands lend further credibility to the claims made.
However, it is essential to note that while the fire's spread was indeed attributed to the delayed response, the initial cause of the fire itself is believed to be linked to the actions of the shooter, who allegedly started the fire to lure firefighters into an ambush (TIME, AOL).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Nettleton Gulch Fire spread to 15-20 acres due to delayed firefighting efforts is accurate. The fire's spread was confirmed by official sources, and the delays in firefighting were directly related to the ambush of firefighters responding to the blaze. The evidence from reliable news sources supports this conclusion.
