Crews assessing post-fire needs

BONNERS FERRY — While a minor storm was expected to push through the area Monday and increase fire activity, no significant movement is expected.

"Fire remains on the landscape, but the threat is reduced from earlier in the season due to shorter days, lower temperatures and higher humidity," Bonners Ferry Ranger District officials said. "[Residents can] expect to see continued smoke until the snow falls or significant rain occurs."

The Kootenai River Complex fires, which were started by lightning in mid-August, have burned an estimated 23,131 acres. There are 67 fire personnel assigned to the fires.

With the reduced activity and the lower threat, BFRD officials said a Burned Area Emergency Response team is set to start assessing the burned area to determine post-fire recovery needs. BAER teams look at water and soil impacts, erosion potential, vegetation issues, archaeology and more, to decide what needs to be done to help the forests recover.  

While some equipment has been removed, ranger district officials said pumps, hoses, sprinklers and water tanks remain around many properties west of Westside Road because of the potential for fire activity.

Crews continue strengthening firelines and cooling the fire's edge where they can access it.

"Helicopters are still dropping water to slow fire spread where necessary," BFRD officials said. "These drops have been done in the Farnham Creek and Clark Creek areas for the past several days."

Ranger district officials said rehabilitation work has begun on some equipment lines, including reseeding, installing water bars for erosion control and using an excavator to pull the lines back in places.

The Long Canyon and Katka fires continue to show some activity. Both fires remain unstaffed and firefighters continue to monitor them from the air and lookout points. 

The recent rains and cooler temperatures have helped firefighters to get the upper hand in battling the multiple large wildfires in the region, U.S. Forest Service officials said. The fires were ignited by lightning storms that passed over the Idaho Panhandle National Forests in August.

Where safe, area closures have been rescinded to restore public access for hunting and other recreation opportunities.  

Active incidents on the IPNF include:

• Kootenai River Complex: Closures remain in place across this 22,482 acre complex on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District.  Firefighter and public safety are paramount as operations continue, including suppression repair work.

• Diamond Watch Fire: Closures remain necessary on this 1,208 acre fire on the Priest Lake Ranger District. Closed roads are serving as containment lines, while heavy equipment and fire personnel continue with suppression repair work. Changes in closure status will be promptly shared.

• Columbus & Bear Gulch Fires: Closures associated with the 2,300 acre Columbus Fire on the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District have been rescinded. Closures were in place on the Kootenai National Forest and the Idaho Panhandle National Forests during active fire behavior. The area has received much-needed precipitation, and there has been little to no growth.

In the opened areas, Forest Service officials said the public should be prepared to meet heavy equipment and other fire traffic on roads. They also should be aware that weather conditions such as precipitation and wind can rapidly change conditions on the ground, especially in fire areas.

"Wind can blow trees across roadways and trails and precipitation can wash debris across roadways and trails blocking access and raise stream and river levels," officials said in a press release. "Forest visitors must be prepared to stay longer than expected due to changing circumstances. Preparing for the unexpected is the best plan."

Forest visitors should carry adequate food and water, clothing, sleeping bags and other provisions. In addition, they also should have a chain saw and fuel, handsaw, and shovel, in case trees or other debris blocks road access.

Residents should let someone know their plans and carry a cellphone to call out in the event of an emergency.

Information: 208-557-8813