Wildfires smoke up the region

August 23, 2016

By Mike Weland Fires in northeast Washington have burned over 4,300 acres and destroyed more than 30 homes while blanketing much of North Idaho in a haze of smoke in recent days. In Montana, nine active fires have burned more than 35,000 acres, in Idaho, there are 10 active fires burning in the Boise, Nez Perce-Clearwater, Salmon-Challis, Caribou-Targhee and Sawtooth National Forests as of Tuesday morning, with 110,983 acres burned. More than 200 personnel continue to battle the Yale Road Fire in Spokane County, which has grown to 3,500 acres and burned 10 homes since it ignited on Sunday, and the Hart Road Fire near Davenport is estimated to have burned 16,000 acres and more than 20 homes. Closer to home, small wildfire was detected Monday approximately one mile south of Gleason Mountain on the Priest Lake Ranger District. Aerial observations of the eight-acre fire indicate it is not burning aggressively and sparse fuels in the area, along with moderated weather conditions, are expected to limit further growth. Safety concerns with remoteness and accessibility of this area influenced the decision to not utilize firefighters on the ground at this time. The Priest Lake Ranger District is actively monitoring the fire and identifying points to engage if needed. The fire, believed to have been started by a lightning strike around July 15, is burning in sparse fuels posing low probability to spread. The fire smoldered and burned in a small area until it emitted enough smoke to be detected on August 19. The public is advised to avoid this area. For additional information or updates on fire activity on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, please contact Shoshana Cooper, Public Affairs Officer, at (208) 765-7211.