Crews make gains on Lions Roar Fire
Construction of a handline and plumbing of the perimeter has helped firefighters bring containment of the Lions Roar Fire to 25 percent.
In addition, Idaho Department of Lands officials said GPS mapping has given them a more precise mapping of the fire, resulting in a reduced size of 45 acres.
Infrared mapping was used to locate and detect areas of heat in, and around, the fire Saturday.
"This information will help fire managers and firefighting crews locate and extinguish hot spots near the handline and ensure mop up actions are successful, IDL officials said in a press release. "The [unmanned aircraft system] was also used to inspect the surrounding areas for spot fires."
Firefighters were expected to continue mop-up operations and expand containment around the fire, which is located in the Lions Creek drainage east of the Priest Lake State Park Lions Head Unit entrance.
However, the potential for difficult weather conditions Saturday afternoon with high wind gusts combined with low relative humidity could pose challenges, IDL officials said.
"Fire managers will continue to monitor weather conditions and relocate personnel for safety reasons if necessary," they said. "Falling trees present a significant hazard to firefighters in areas of recent fire activity."
Friday's storm brought damaging winds to the fire area, with both the fire camp and the adjacent Idaho State Park lands seeing multiple trees either snapping off or blowing down from the root.
Fire officials said motorists in the region should be vigilant to unexpected hazards due to storm as well as be mindful of fire traffic on East Shore Road. Drivers should reduce their speed, use caution on blind corners and prepare for road debris.
"Large and oversize vehicles, especially towing trailers/boats need to be aware that fire equipment is wide, and the roadway may be very narrow in places with limited roadway stability," IDL officials said.
While crews made strides on the Lions Roar Fire, which is being fought by 95 firefighters, little has changed on the nearby Diamond Watch Fire, which has been mapped at 341 acres on the northeast side of Diamond Peak in Pend Oreille County, Wash. The fire is about 5.5 miles due west of Nordman.
Due to the terrain, U.S. Forest Service officials said direct suppression of the fire is neither a safe nor effective option.
An indirect suppression strategy is being implemented to confine and contain the fire. Using natural and man-made features that contributed to the greatest probability of success, crews and heavy equipment are working a construct a fireline in the area.
Road closures and evacuations
Near the Lions Roar Fire, Lion Creek Road 42 and Lucky Creek Road 43 are closed for fire suppression activities until further notice.
Residents are asked to respect road closures — which means no public access past barricades.
"These closures are necessary for public and fire crew safety. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority for fire managers," IDL officials said.
Near the Diamond Watch Fire, Forest Service Roads 311, 308 and Petit Lake are closed to allow for safe heavy equipment operations and fire suppression activity. FSR 311 will be closed from the 311/308 junction to Petit Lake and FSR 308 will be closed from the 311/308 junction to the 308/1362 junction.
The best access to the Priest Lake area from the Colville National Forest will be through Newport, Washington via north U.S. 2 and Priest River via Highway 57.
Information: Diamond Watch Fire, bit.ly/3pgEs46; and Lions Roar Fire, bit.ly/3PmMu6r
