|
IPNF weekend wildfire update |
|
August 17, 2017 |
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect until
further notice in all state, federal, and
private forestland and rangeland in Benewah,
Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Latah
Counties. This also includes public lands in
Washington and Montana that are administered by
the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Please visit
http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html
for a detailed map and specifics regarding fire
restrictions or contact the local land
management office.
Firefighters have been successful in containing
many small wildfires across the forest. All
fires that have been contained will be monitored
until significant rainfall occurs over the area.
Current active fires on the Idaho Panhandle
National Forests includes the North Fork Hughes
Fire and the Buck Fire.
The North Fork Hughes Fire (1,403 acres) is
located just north of Hughes Meadows in the
Salmo Priest Wilderness on the Priest Lake
Ranger District.
Sparked by a lightning storm on June 28, the
fire is believed to have smoldered for a few
days before being located on July 4.
Firefighters will continue to run a sprinkler
system in Hughes and Jackson Creeks as well as
scout possible areas east of the current fire
perimeter where the fire can be safely
suppressed.
Weather is forecasted to bring gusty winds
midweek out of the southwest that may result in
increased fire activity.
Please check with the Priest Lake Ranger
District: (208) 443-2512 and the Sullivan Lake
Ranger District: (509) 446-7500 for current fire
information as well as any trail and road
closures associated with the North Fork Hughes
Fire and Noisy Creek Fire (near Sullivan Lake).
The Buck Fire (132 acres) is located 17 miles
southeast of Avery on the St. Joe Ranger
District. Reported August 7, the cause is under
investigation.
Jason Svancara’s Type 3 IMT is managing this
fire. Fire growth has been minimal, however, the
forecasted continued dry weather is of concern
as the fire threatens private industrial
timberland.
Crews have made significant progress towards
containment (40-percent) by establishing and
maintaining handline along the west flank and
fuels treatments along Forest Service Road #201.
Road, trail, and area closures are in effect for
public and firefighter safety until the fire
situation allows safe access and passage.
For current closure and fire information contact
the St. Joe Ranger District, Avery Office (208)
245-6200, or St. Marie’s Office (208) 245-2531.
Despite slightly cooler temperatures and some
precipitation, fire danger across the Idaho
Panhandle is extreme and people are advised to
be cautious. Human caused starts, particularly
in the Wildland-Urban Interface, pose a threat
to the public as well as requires valuable
firefighting resources that may be needed
elsewhere.
For additional information or updates on fire
activity on the forest, please contact Jennifer
Russell, Public Information Officer, at (208)
661-5292. |
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
