Firefighting crews continue to make progress on the 3,547-acre Upper Smith Fire burning 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry. The lightning-caused fire, burning since July 8, is listed at 30% containment, with crews working along Westside Road to reduce fuel loading.
Containment efforts may be hampered by a Red Flag Warning that went into effect Aug. 12 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., signaling possible thunderstorms, abundant lightning strikes and gusty outflow winds of up to 40 mph. Along with the hazardous fire conditions, the system may bring scattered rain showers to the region, with slightly cooler temperatures expected Aug. 13 along with a 30% chance of rain.
Closures remain in place for Smith Creek Road, Long Canyon Trail and Parker Ridge Trail, with the public strongly encouraged to avoid the entire Smith Creek drainage area.
A smaller wildfire in the Porcupine Creek drainage two miles east of Porcupine Lake is still listed at 0% containment, burning only 110 acres thus far thanks to strategic aviation support. The lightning-caused fire has been burning since July 24. Current suppression efforts are focused on keeping the fire from crossing over the ridge and establishing on the southeast face, but steep terrain and limited access continue to present difficulties for firefighting personnel.
Smoke columns rise from the Porcupine Fire on Aug. 11 burning east of Hope. Photo courtesy of USFS
The Spokane Complex Fires, which include the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lanes fires in Spokane and Stevens counties, Wash., have destroyed or damaged over 900 structures. The human-caused fires have burned a total of 10,546 acres, with containment listed at 83%, 97% and 89% for Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lanes, respectively.
Arson suspect Aaron F. Farinacci, who told police he started the Old Trails Fire and also claimed responsibility for 25 other fires over the last year, has been arrested and faces multiple arson charges for incidents dating back to 2025.
The Innovia Foundation reported Aug. 12 that businesses, organizations and private donors have donated over $4 million to a recovery fund aimed to address the needs of residents impacted by the fires. Over 3,500 individual contributors have donated to the fund as of press time.
“Thanks to the generosity of donors, 100% of contributions to wildfire funds at Innovia support affected individuals and families,” the foundation announced.
The air quality index has improved slightly from the previous week, but still lingers in the orange “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, with the primary pollutant level hovering around 125. Smoke-filled skies continue to reduce visibility greatly.
To keep informed about regional fire activity, visit inciweb.wildfire.gov.
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