USFS updates area wildfires

SANDPOINT ­ While fire restrictions are being lifted beginning Friday, forest closures are still in effect.

Forest activities and uncontrolled wildfires are still ongoing and fire crews will remain engaged, U.S. Forest Service officials said in a press release. Fire managers note in the release that they consider recent weather events as “season slowing events” and not the end of wildfire season in North Idaho.

The Cougar Fire, located about 5 miles east of Hope, has burned 7,608 acres and is 50 percent contained. The Surprise Creek Fire, also 50 percent contained has burned 3,137 acres, according to the most recent data.

In Boundary County, the Fleming Creek Fire burned 91 acres and is 100 percent contained and the Smith Creek Fire, located 19 miles west of Bonners Ferry and seven miles northeast of Priest Lake, has burn 951 acres and is 5 percent contained.