Crews make progress on Buckskin Fire

CLARK FORK — An increase in fire activity around the nation has prohibited an infrared flight to measure the size of the Buckskin 2 Fire.

The fire, reported Aug. 4, has burned an estimated 226 acres on Delyle Ridge between Twin and Dry creeks, eight miles due south of Clark Fork. The cause of the fire, which is 15% contained, is under investigation.

Fire officials said active behavior has been seen on the fire, with some single and group tree torching observed. Hand crews are building direct firelines along the fire’s east and west flanks white engine crews are continuing work to protect structures in the Twin Creek and Rearden Creek drainages. On the north and south sides of the fire, dozer crews are building indirect firelines.

There are 93 personnel assigned to the fire, which is located on the Sandpoint Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. There are seven engines, two hand crews, a dozer crew and three firefighters modules assigned to the fire.

The fire is about 1.8 miles from the nearest residences in the two drainages, officials said.

Residents in the Twin Creek and Rearden Road areas have been placed on "Ready" status and advised to be aware of the possible threat and begin preparations to evacuate if it becomes necessary.

Under the "Ready" status of the ‘Ready, Set, Go’ evacuation planning stages, residents are advised to have a plan to evacuate if necessary. "Set" status asks residents to begin putting their plan into place. Under "Go" status, residents are told to leave immediately due to an imminent threat.

A forest closure order is officially in effect for roads associated with the Buckskin Fire; the intersections of USFS roads 203 and 332, USFS roads 1021 and 332, and USFS roads 1533 and 306 in Clark Fork. UTV Trail 77 is closed where it enters the drainage where the fire is burning.

The public is prohibited from the general area for firefighter safety and urged to be careful while driving near firefighters and apparatuses, officials said.

Bee Top Fire.

Fire activity on the Bee Top Fire is minimal with crews increased containment to 80%, USFS officials said in an update on the fire, located 5 miles northeast of Clark Fork in the Lightning Creek drainage.

The fire, which has burned an estimated 45 acres, was sparked by lightning on July 1.

There are eight personnel assigned to the fire, which is being monitored to ensure it stays within containment lines.

Consalus Fire

Containment of the Consalus Fire, which has burned an estimated 475 acres, has increased to 80%, USFS officials said. Crews continue to patrol and monitor the fire and are working to address hazard trees and to increase an indirect fireline.

The Consalus Fire, located 10 miles west of Coolin, Idaho, in Pend Oreille County, Wash., was reported June 30. The fire, which has burned an estimated 471 acres, is 70% contained. There are 64 fire personnel assigned to the fire.

Road and trail closures

Bee Top Fire: There are no closures listed.

Consalus Fire: Forest Service Road 1108 is closed from the junction with FSR 333 to the junction with FSR 659. FSR 1094 will remain open for the first 4.5 miles from the junction with FSR 312, however, the remainder will be closed to the junction with FSR 1108. FSR 659 is closed from the junction with FSR 312 to the junction with FSR 659B; and FSR 333 from the junction with FSR 2730 to its end.

There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area. Flying civilian drones is prohibited and could ground firefighting crews.

Buckskin 2 Fire — The intersection of USFS roads 203 and 332 as well as the intersection of 1021 and 332 and also 1533 and 306 in Clark Fork are closed. UTV Trail 77 goes right into the drainage where the fire is burning and is also being closed.

There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area.

Information: inciweb.nwcg.gov