Ranchers Accuse Fire Crews of Unauthorized Backburning | Austin News

Ranchers in Washington County, Idaho, are furious after accusing firefighting crews of intentionally setting fires on private land during the massive Tartar Fire — a blaze that scorched over 158,000 acres and destroyed fences, water sources, and livestock. Farmers like Tristan Winegar and Kirk Chandler say they worked tirelessly to protect their property only to witness crews igniting new fires nearby, prompting sheriff intervention and accusations of arson. While backburning is a standard wildfire tactic, ranchers argue these large-scale operations crossed the line into unauthorized destruction, demanding accountability as the U.S. Wildland Fire Service is now being asked to respond. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/cea15cc312a25bd3