Trestle Creek Complex now 6K acres

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

The Trestle Creek Complex fire surpassed 6,000 acres this week, and, as of Aug. 18, remains only 5% contained.

Lightning started the fire — located four miles north of Hope — on July 7. As of mid-August, there are 165 personnel, 11 engines, two dozers, three feller bunchers, two excavators, a forwarder, a masticator and three water tenders dedicated to containing the blaze and keeping it away from residences in the area. So far, no structures have been lost. All homes in the area remain in the “ready” category of local authorities’ “ready, set, go” evacuation strategy, as of Aug. 18.

A map of the Trestle Creek Complex fires dated Aug. 17. Courtesy image.

In a media release Aug. 17, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests urged those headed into the woods to practice caution and learn about area fires ahead of time.

“Northern Idaho is experiencing a very active wildfire season and fire danger remains ‘extreme’ across the Idaho Panhandle National Forests,” officials stated. “Recent precipitation has provided temporary benefits to the firefighting efforts, with cooler temperatures and more humidity, but the wildfires will remain very active until a significant shift in the weather arrives. Visitors should do all they can to stay informed of changing conditions and prepare to adjust their plans, if needed.”

Find the latest information about active fires at inciweb.nwcg.gov, or check out this new resource from the Idaho Department of Lands: idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/idaho-fire-map.

IPNF reminds recreators that campfires are not allowed under Stage II fire restrictions, and recently burned areas remain dangerous even after the flames have passed, since “wildfires can weaken trees, loosen rocks and other debris that can roll into roadways or permit flash floods, and heat pockets can remain in the ground for months.”