Eneas Peak Fire sees growth

In the past 24 hours, the Eneas Peak Fire has grown by 164 acres with the latest mapping show the fire has burned 763 acres since it was sparked by a lightning strike on Aug. 13.

However, the fire is “moving favorably to the west and is holding steady on the northern ridge,” U.S. Forest Service officials said in a Monday press release.

In addition to the mapping and recon flights, Forest Service officials said a Type 1 helicopter was borrowed by a nearby Idaho Department of Lands fire to drop water on the northeastern edge of the fire late Sunday.

Monday, fire crews were expected to continue assessment of the fire as part of an effort to develop strategies for ground attacks on the fire.

“Air resources are continuing to work fires throughout the dispatch zone and are being made available based on potential threat to values such as private land,” USFS officials said.

The fire, burning 15 miles north-northwest of Bonners Ferry, is zero percent contained. Burning on the south aspect below Eneas Peak and above Fisher Creek, steep terrain of 60% to 80% slopes and deadened downed trees are limiting direct attacks on the fire, Forest Service officials said.

With temperatures expected to be in the lower 80s and moderate humidity, USFS officials said the conditions could cause the fire to grown.

"Uphill growth to the north towards Eneas Peak is likely to continue with warm temps," officials said on InciWeb, an interagency fire tracking website. "Backing and flanking is expected on the steeper slopes (60%) with short uphill runs expected. As fire positions itself on the main ridge it will likely begin working its way east; however, most growth will be to the west into roadless forest land."

Diamond Watch Fire

Vastest mapping of the Pend Oreille County Fire shows the wildfire has grown to 792 acres. Visible from Highway 57 in the Priest Lake area, the fire is listed at zero percent containment with most of the fire's heat continuing to be seen of Diamond Peak's southern slope.

An area and road closure is in place, effective for Forest Service Roads 311, 308 and 1362H. While FSR 1362 remains open, Petit Lake and its associated dispersed campsites are within the area closure.

"This closure is for public safety due to heavy equipment operations and wildfire effects of the Diamond Watch Fire, and prohibits all methods of travel (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and area," Forest Service officials said on InciWeb.

Smoke from numerous fires in the area is having some impacts to the air quality around Priest Lake. The Air Quality Index is "good" most days but it has moved into "moderate" a few times over the last month. For an interactive air quality map and predicted smoke conditions, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Moderate fire behavior — primarily with backing and flanking — could be seen as could the isolated torching tree, USFS officials said.

"[The] north side is primarily holding in wetter live fuels and hasn't moved much while the southerly aspects have seen the bulk of the growth," officials noted.

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.

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.

Closures and evacuations:

Residents are asked to avoid Trout Creek Road (Forest Service Road 634) as well as nearby trails to allow for fire suppression efforts in the vicinity. Trails included are Fisher Peak (No. 27), Pyramid Lake (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Trout Lake (No. 41) and Ball and Pyramid Lakes Trail (No 43).

While no evacuations are in place, 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; AirNow website, fire.airnow.gov