BOISE, Idaho — The summertime sounds from campers and boaters have been replaced by the sounds of scooper planes and helicopters as crews continue to battle the Bench Lake Fire, which is threatening an iconic local landmark near Stanley.
On July 12, the threat of flames spreading forced visitors and workers to evacuate from the popular Redfish Lake Lodge.
Everyone had to leave the site except for fire crews and the lodge's owners, Audra and Jeff Clegg.
"We started the process of trying to find places for all of our employees to go. Luckily, they all joined together and took care of each other," Jeff said. "We're kind of navigating through this and have tons of gratitude for the love and support."
The Bench Lake Fire has grown to about 1,850 acres and is 3% contained.
"There's a lot of personnel up here," Jeff said. "A lot of firefighters, pumps and sprinklers all over the docks."
As the flames get closer to the lodge, Audra and Jeff made it a priority to take care of their staff by continuing to pay their 105 employees for at least a week after the evacuation.
"This relationship we've developed with these employees over all these years, it's very personal right now," Jeff said. "We're trying. We're grateful."
In turn, the community is helping the take care of them - with a group of the lodge's visitors starting a GoFundMe fundraiser to help support Redfish Lake Lodge and their staff.
"It's so humbling. I mean, this is our key, peak season. We're going to have to refund who knows how many guests," Jeff said. "We're grateful, we never expect a handout of any kind, of course. But it's the way people feel about Redfish - they love it."
On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Mike Simpson visited the site.
"As he was leaving, he said that if something happens to the lodge, it wasn't because we didn't try,'' Audra said. "He said we're giving it out all. I felt it."
A feeling shared by a the lodge's visitors - part of a relationship that keeps people coming back to Redfish Lake every summer.
"The lodge is 95 years old, and has a special spirit to it right now," Audra said. "I really feel like there's a lot of people praying, and it's really felt."