Arrests as some community members challenge firefighters

After a long and stressful weekend, firefighters in Pocatello announced some good news on Monday, the Charlotte Fire is now 100-percent contained.

For neighbors and homeowners, it’s a relief. For fire crews, it marks the end of a long fight.

But as the adrenaline and shock begins to wear away after such a devastating event, disbelief and emotion often begin to take over.

Fire crews said some of that emotion caused trouble over the weekend, with folks at times trying to influence where firefighters focused their efforts.

Interference occurred so often, police said 3 arrests were made on Friday.

“We certainly understand the emotions, this was an emotional incident for all of us,” said Region 5 Incident Commander Dave Gates.

At the end of a fevered fight, Gates said he knows he has to remain professional

“When I’m in my professional mind I almost seem cold, and I’m not cold,” he said “I’ve been filled with emotion over this time, but my training kicks in.”

His training, he said, tells him some homes in the Charlotte Fire were simply goners.

“Then we have ones that we say, ‘We can win this one,’ and it’s something that we’re going to put our effort on,” he said.

For folks trying to get beyond the fire-line over the weekend, frustration set in. Some even confronted fire crews. Police said one person even grabbed a firefighter.

“Please understand that when they do that they are distracting us from the plan that we’ve made,” said Gates.

Gates said the plan must serve the greater number.

“We want to be every body’s neighbor,” said Gates. “We are here as their neighbor. But at the same time, if we have to we will call in law enforcement.”

During a brief tour of the burn zone on Monday, officers had to be called to a checkpoint because of an upset community member trying to get inside Mink Creek.

As the area becomes more open to public, firefighters are urging folks to follow instructions.

At final count, the Charlotte Fire burned 1,038 acres.

“In the end, we feel for you,” said Gates. “I wish I could have saved every single home.”