Tagged: lake level

Sandpoint Reader

1 day ago

Wildfire Update (July 21):

We’ve had a few people call in asking for an update on the fires burning around Bonner County. We’ll update whenever new info comes around. Here is the latest from the USFS:

Sandpoint Ranger District:

TRESTLE PEAK FIRE:

The Trestle Peak Fire is located east of Sandpoint on Trestle Ridge. It is currently estimated at 40 acres, burning in heavy subalpine fir. It was first detected the afternoon of July 18, with IDL and USFS crews reporting. The day after the fire was spotted, it made a run up the hill, quickly growing from 1 to 40 acres.

Two type 2 IA crews, 10 smokejumpers, 3 IDL/FS engines with crew and an additional 15 local firefighters are currently assigned. Retardant drops, a helitrack crew, heavy and medium helicopters, water-scooping fire bosses and air attack have successfully limited the fire spread through the day, despite gusting wind.

Four other fires in the area have been successfully controlled: Taffy Creek, Strawberry Creek, Lightning Creek and Wylie. The Rattle Creek Fire is currently at under 1 acre and is being staffed by 10 smokejumpers who are making good progress.

Priest Lake Ranger District:

A lightning storm on July 19 touched off at least three fires on the west side of Priest Lake – Reeder Mountain, Nickel and Little Granite. The North Fork Hughes has been burning for about three weeks.

REEDER MOUNTAIN FIRE:

Located on the northeast slope of Reeder Mountain, this fire is burning on a steep rocky slope near a patch of recently blown down timber with the size currently estimated at 8 acres. Due to the steep slopes and terrain, engines are not able to access the fire. Because of its location, firefighters called in air support which includes one helicopter and two fire bosses. A heavy air tanker is on order to assist. Ten Smokejumpers have also deployed to the fire. Additional resources are on order.

NICKEL FIRE:

This fire is burning on the southeast side of Nickel Plate Mountain. Crews are working on this 1/10th acre fire with the support of helicopter bucket drops.

LITTLE GRANITE FIRE:

Burning in the lower reaches of the Granite Creek drainage off of Reeder Bay Road. This fire was contained to just 1/10th of an acre by local firefighters.

NORTH FORK HUGHES FIRE:

The fire is located just north of Hughes Meadows across the Washington State line. A lightning storm on June 28th sparked the fire and it smoldered for a few days before firefighters located it on July 4th. The fire is about 70 acres and a plan is in place to allow it to burn towards a location where we can more safely attack it.

SUMMARY FROM US Forest Service:

There are hundreds of fires burning throughout Montana, Idaho and Washington and resources are spread very thin. Lightning is notorious in this area for causing “holdover” fires that can appear many days later. We are doing everything we can to suppress these fires as quickly, efficiently and, most importantly, as safely as possible. We will keep you posted as conditions change.

Below: map of Priest Lake Ranger District hot spots. … See MoreSee Less

Photo