Crews make gains on Buckskin 2

CLARK FORK — Not only has containment of the Buckskin 2 Fire increased, it may not be as big as previously thought.

Fire manager were able to "ground truth" the fire — meaning compare information collected on the ground with infrared data — and now estimate the fire has burned roughly 242 acres. IPNF officials previously estimated the fire at 264 acres.

"Our maps show a slightly higher acreage which we are working to resolve," officials said.

At the same time, Idaho Panhandle National Forests officials said Thursday that containment of the fire had increased to 27%.

With winds expected to pick up over the next day or two, fire manager said they expect firelines to be tested.

"Therefore, firefighters will be focused on gridding and monitoring for any possible new spot fires over the line," they added.

However, even with the challenging conditions, fire officials said they expect to see little to no growth during the red flag warning conditions. Red flag conditions are a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds that can cause wildfires or cause them to quickly spread.

Crews are working to expand the depth of firelines and to mop up the existing firelines along the perimeters. In addition, crews are working to remove snags and other hazardous trees near the fire's edge.

Although at times smoke is visible from pockets of unburned fuels within the perimeter of the fire, fire officials said the smoke that has settled into the area is primarily from fires in Washington and British Columbia.

Residents of the Twin Creek and Rearden areas remain on "Get Ready" status of the "Ready, Set, Go" evacuation planning stages. Under this status, 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.

There area 170 personnel assigned to the fire, which has burned 242 acres. There are four hand crews, two firefighting modules and a variety of heavy equipment on the fire, located eight miles south of Clark Fork.

Ridge Creek Fire

While the Ridge Creek Fire grew Wednesday, a perimeter around the fire is stable, IPNF officials said.

"Growth of the fire yesterday lowered the calculated percentage of containment, but fire perimeters have remained stable over the last three days demonstrating the substantial work that crews have completed to strengthen containment lines," officials said.

The Ridge Creek Fire is currently estimated at 3,248 acres and 12% containment.

With the red flag warning issued for the Ridge Creek Fire area, crews anticipate that there will be active fire behavior accompanied by visible smoke. A southwesterly wind should allow the use of aircraft, particularly in the northeast area of the fire.

On the fire's southeastern edge, crews will continue to strengthen a line in the Hudlow Saddle area southward along FSR 406 in the southeast area of the fire.

"Crews will look to continue firing operations, as conditions allow, to remove shrub and surface layer fuels," officials said.

Firing operations were limited Wednesday due to weather conditions, but were resumed during the night as conditions moderated. Firefighters will patrol the perimeter of the fire overnight to monitor fire behavior, officials said.

The Ridge Creek Fire has burned an estimated 3,248 acres and is 12% containment. A total of 459 personnel are assigned to the fire, along with 15 engines and 10 pieces of heavy equipment. The fire is human-caused and is under investigation.

Bee Top Fire:

Fire activity on the Bee Top Fire is minimal and containment is at 80%. The fire is 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 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, is at 80%. Crews are monitoring the fire and working to address hazard trees and increase an indirect fireline.

The Consalus Fire, located 10 miles west of Coolin, Idaho, in Pend Oreille County, Wash., was reported June 30. There are 43 fire personnel assigned to the fire.

Road and trail closures

Bee Top Fire: No closures.

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.

Ridge Creek Fire: There is a 24-hour-per-day temporary flight restriction in place, which applies to both civilian aircraft and drones.

An emergency closure order is in effect for areas surrounding the fire and prohibits all methods of travel (foot, mechanized, motorized, and stock) on Forest Service Roads 392, 428A, 437, 1511, 1530, 1552, 1587, and Forest Service Roads 206 and 406 north of their junction, Forest Service Trails 69, 78, 234, and 802, as well as within the described area.

Information: inciweb.nwcg.gov