A fire broke out Monday evening at Sutton Salvage in North Lewiston, sending a large plume of white smoke drifting across the Lewis-Clark Valley after flames ignited within a pile of scrap metal at the yard.
Firefighters arrived after 8 p.m. and worked to knock down the blaze using water and heavy equipment. The Nez Perce County Fire Department took the lead role in responding, as the Sutton Salvage facility sits outside Lewiston city limits and falls under county jurisdiction.
The salvage yard is located off the Old Spiral Highway in North Lewiston. Authorities closed that route to traffic while crews remained on scene battling the fire buried deep within the scrap metal pile — a condition that can make extinguishment particularly difficult and time-consuming.
No injuries were immediately reported, and no additional details on the cause or estimated damage were available as of Monday evening.
The incident is the latest in a string of recent public safety calls in the Lewiston area. Earlier this month, Idaho State Police sought information following a collision involving a Lewiston patrol vehicle, and a Lewiston woman was charged after allegedly spraying a bus driver, passenger, and officer with an unknown substance.
What Comes Next
Nez Perce County Fire Department personnel were expected to remain on scene until the fire was fully controlled. The Old Spiral Highway closure was in effect during active firefighting operations. Residents in the valley were advised to be aware of reduced visibility from smoke in the area. No timeline for full containment had been announced as of the initial reports Monday night.