Crews hold line on Consalus Fire

SANDPOINT — A red flag warning was in effect for much of Monday for the area around the Consalus Fire.

Located on the Priest Lake Ranger District, the number of acres burned has been kept to an estimated 467 acres. However, the National Weather Service issued the warning early Monday warning, indicating that the combination of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds could cause the wildfire to quickly spread.

That said, Northern Rockies Type 3 Incident Management Team officials said crews have made significant progress in strengthening firelines on the fire's western and southwestern edges. Also, a contingency line on the fire's western edges been completed.

Firefighters are combing the area outside the fire perimeter near Consalus Creek for hazard trees and snags. As soon as the trees are removed and the area is safe, IMT officials said crews will begin gridding the burned areas to extinguish any pockets of fire.

"An unnamed drainage in the southeastern area of the fire is holding heat but firefighters are unable to safely get into the area due to the existing tree snags," officials said in a press release.

Fire officials are drafting a fire suppression repair plan, IMT officials said. Once finished and approved, the plan will serve as a guide for fire crews on areas affected by fire suppression activities.

As fire activity increases in the West, additional fire crews will be available should the need arise on both existing and new fires.

"Aviation resources assigned to the fire have been assisting with new starts in the surrounding areas as needed," IMT officials added.

Reported June 30, the Consalus Fire has burned 467 acres on the Priest Lake Ranger District. Located 10 miles west of Coolin, Idaho, in Pend Oreille County, Wash., the fire is 30% contained. There are 251 fire personnel assigned to the fire, as well as a helicopter and a drone crew, six hand crews as well as a district fire unit, five engines, faller modules, and a heavy equipment task force. Firefighting efforts are being managed by Northern Rockies Type 3 Incident Management Team led by John Heyn.

Bee Top Fire

The Bee Top Fire was placed in "patrol status" on July 18, meaning that crews will check on the fire on a regular basis but will not need to build any additional containment lines.

The Sandpoint-based Kaniksu Wildland Fire Module are battling a spot fire that flared up in extremely steep terrain on July 19.

"Due to the treacherous terrain, direct attack has been ruled out to protect boots on the ground," fire officials said.

As a result of the spot fire — and continued high temperatures — containment has temporarily dropped from 88 to 30 percent. However, fire officials said they are confident that containment will again rise as crews continue to hold existing line.

Reported July 1, the lightning-sparked fire has burned an estimated 45 acres as of Tuesday, July 18, and is listed at 30% containment.

Management of the fire was assumed by the Sandpoint Ranger District on July 19.

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.

Those accessing the Crystal Mine area off FSR 659 may need to pull over to allow heavy equipment and fire crews to access the area.

There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area. Flying civilian drones is prohibited and could ground firefighting crews. If you fly, they can’t.

Information: inciweb.nwcg.gov