Rains help dampen West Branch Fire
The West Branch Fire, located about 9 miles due west of Coolin about a half-mile west of the Idaho/Washington border, has burned about 113 acres
(Photo courtesy U.S. FOREST SERVICE)
PRIEST LAKE — Precipitation, combined with cool fall weather and shorter day length, has resulted in a significant decrease in fire behavior on the West Branch Fire.
With a three-quarters of an inch of rain in the last storm system, U.S. Forest Service officials said significant gains were made on the fair. While the fire will continue to be staff, its size is not expected to change significantly. “Existing containment lines include Forest Service Road 1094 and the riparian area of the West Branch Priest River, so containment is not likely to change until a season-ending weather event,” USFS officials said in a press release.
Discovered Sept. 16 about 9 miles due west of Coolin near U.S. Forest Service Road 1094, the fire is about a half-mile west of the Idaho/Washington state line. The fire is approximately 113 acres and is 20% contained.
There are no evacuations associated with the West Branch Fire, which is under investigation.
The closure put in place on Sept. 17 remains in place to protect public and firefighter safety during suppression efforts and while crews assess the roadside snag hazards. Forest Service Road 1094 is closed, from its junction with FSR 312 and concluding with its terminus at its junction with FSR 1108.
Forest visitors should be aware of fire engine traffic on FSR 312 (Squaw Valley Road). As with all forest roads, increased traffic poses hazards; so please slow down, stay to the right, and use headlights.
Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7206/