Crews battling Eneas Peak Fire

Crews battling the Eneas Peak Fire in Boundary County got some welcome assistance Friday afternoon in the form of a Type 2 helicopter.

The fire, which was sparked by a lightning strike on Aug. 13, is burning 15 miles north-northwest of Bonners Ferry. Infrared mapping shows the fire has burned 536 acres and is zero percent contained.

The helicopter dropped water along the eastern edge of the fire to reduce spread in that direction, U.S. Forest Service officials said in a Saturday press release. In addition, firefighters continued scouting for opportunities to safely build handline adjacent to private lands near Westside Road and to the south of Fisher Creek.

"This handline will only be necessary if the fire spreads to the east and has potential to threatened private lands and structures," Caroline Mcgough, USFS public information officer, said.

Saturday, a Type 1 helicopter — capable of carrying 2,000 gallons of water — was scheduled to drop water along the eastern side of the fire, Mcgough said.

"Firefighters will be stationed in a recently burnt helispot location near Eneas Peak to direct and target the water drops," she added. "The lack of fuel makes this safe for firefighters to operate from this location."

All suppression efforts are focused on preventing the fire from spreading east and keeping it high on the ridge.

Residents are reminded not use drones in the fire area as the potential for mid-air collisions means aircraft must be grounded if a drone is spotted, delaying suppression efforts.

Forest Service officials said the Bonners Ferry Ranger District received an additional engine crew to assist with initial attack in the event new fires happen on the district.

During the night, Mcgough said an extensive lightning storm occurred southeast of Coeur d’Alene into the Saint Joe River area. As a result, there is a chance the Type 1 helicopter could be reassigned to a higher priority fire.

Closures and evacuations:

There are no closures or evacuations currently in place on the fire. However, when living in fire prone areas it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan in place including having all important documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and easily transportable.

Residents of Boundary and Boundary counties can visit nixle.com or text their home's ZIP code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts.

Information: Diamond Watch Fire, bit.ly/3pgEs46; Eneas Peak Fire, bit.ly/3PBUikK