Stimulus Money to Help in N. Idaho Fire Protection

Officials in northern Idaho say more than $2 million in federal stimulus money will be used in the region to prevent catastrophic wildfires and create 55 jobs.

The U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Lands say the money will be used in Kootenai, Benewah, Boundary and Bonner counties to bolster efforts to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations.

Nelle Coler of the Panhandle Area Council says the jobs will start as soon as weather and ground conditions permit.

Coler says the work is hands-on and labor-intensive.