Crews make progress on Trestle Creek fires
A photo taken last week of the Trestle Creek Complex fires.
(Photo courtesy of MARY FRANZEL)
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Fires 2, 3 and 5 of the Trestle Creek Complex Fire were 100% contained as of Wednesday morning, with fire 1 50% contained and fire 6 still 0% contained.
Because the terrain is too rugged, firefighters have been unable to access Trestle Fire 6 of the fire, said Dorothy Harvey, public information officer for Battle Mountain District for the Bureau of Land Management in Nevada.
“They are putting together a plan and are going to start doing some preliminary work so if and when it comes down they can fight the fire aggressively,” Harvey said.
In total, the fire has burned 256 acres north of Hope. The entire complex fire remains 5% contained, according to data on Inciweb, an incident management clearinghouse website, via the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
The fire, which was started by a lightning strike on July 9, is expected to spread down Falls Creek and Lightning Creek. IPNF is currently estimating containment by August 15.
For the safety of firefighters and the public, roads are closed at Trestle Creek Road above the Huckleberry Campgrounds, and Lightning Creek Road at the junction with Rattle Creek Road.
Across the border in Montana, the Burnt Peak Fire has grown to approximately 150 acres and is roughly 10% contained. 101 fire personnel are currently on scene, with four engines, six water tenders and nine pieces of equipment. A pre-evacuation notice is in effect for North Fork Keeler Residents.
The Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache is also seeking personnel to help refurbish firefighting equipment, according to a press release by the Idaho Department of Lands on Wednesday.
“We want to thank those who have answered the call for extra help. We already have 15 drivers and eight warehouse workers hired as part of this effort,” said Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller. “This is one way people can support our crews on the fire line during this unprecedented fire season.”
Job duties include washing hose, boxing up supplies, loading and unloading trucks, pressure-testing water handling equipment and more, and wildland firefighting experience is not required. The agency is also seeking to fill 10 truck driver positions, which do not require a commercial driver’s license.
Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. six days a week at $16.76 an hour, and positions are overtime-eligible. Experience driving forklifts is also welcome. Those interested can email a resume to careers@idl.idaho.gov or visit the Idaho Department of Lands Jobs webpage.