Parker Ridge Fire, in northwest Boundary County
A new wildfire in Boundary County's west side mountains began with a lightning strike last Wednesday, July 29.
As of about 20 minutes ago, the fire, located in steep, rugged terrain along Parker Ridge near Long Canyon, had burned approximately 70 acres. The fire is burning along a ridge in a large stand of beetle-killed lodgepole pine, and the area is littered with down timber and standing dead timber, providing significant potential fuel for the fire, and making access to the area extremely dangerous for firefighters.
The
approximate location of the fire is at
coordinates: 48.907 latitude, -116.534 longitude
See the map accompanying this story which shows the location of both the Parker Ridge Fire and the Baker's Camp Fire, which continues to burn nearby.
Currently, 12 firefighters are on the scene of the Parker Ridge Fire. The fire is being monitored from the air and, from a safe distance, by fire personnel on the ground. Air support, including three large air tankers and four single engine air tankers, along with helicopters, are available, and current strategy is for full suppression with aviation resources.
The Central West Zone Incident Management Team III will assume command of the fire this evening.
(Additional information on the Baker's Camp Fire continues below this map)
Baker's Camp Fire, in northwest Boundary County
As of around 6:45 a.m. this morning, the lightning-caused Baker's Camp Fire was at 49 acres, with 90% of its perimeter contained. Currently, 20 firefighting personnel are on scene battling this blaze.
Fire officials planned a flyover with an infrared camera some time today, to look for new hot spots or trouble areas at the fire.
It is anticipated that the Baker's Camp Fire will be controlled soon.