September 3 Parker Ridge Fire update:  complete perimeter fireline will not be possible, but good progress continues

September 3, 2015

Fire activity and spread has been reduced considerably due to precipitation, cooler temperatures,and light winds. Fire crews continue to work on the peat bog in a drainage ditch near the Westside with heavy equipment and fire engines. The fire's size remains at just under 6,600 acres, now with 50% containment. For the Parker Ridge Fire, officials have determined that a control line can only be built around 65% of the fire. This is due to rugged, rocky terrain where building a traditional containment line is not possible. Fire managers feel confident that crews will have a containment of 65% on the fire by end of shift on Sunday. There are 62 personnel currently assigned to the fire. A helicopter remains assigned to the fire for reconnaissance missions. According to fire officials, fire activity and spread has been reduced considerably due to precipitation, cooler temperatures, and light winds. Because of this, and progress made in battling the fire, the North Idaho Type III Incident Management Team that has been managing this fire will transition command back to the Bonners Ferry Ranger District this Tuesday, September 8. In work at the fire today, crews will remove hoses from around structures and other areas. They will also begin implementing rehabilitation measures in areas where slope stability and sediment transport are a concern. Logging operations on the Westside Road will be in full swing today as loggers work to remove hazard trees. For safety reasons, the public is encouraged to avoid this area for the next few days.