Crews boost fire containment

PRIEST RIVER — While Monday's red flag warning conditions increased fire activity in pockets of unburned fuel on the Consalus Fire, crews still boosted containment to roughly 40%.

"Most of the heat was observed on the western side of the fire but it did not move outside of any existing firelines," Northern Rockies Type 3 Incident Management Team officials said Tuesday.

Due to afternoon winds caused by the red flag warning conditions, some firefighters had to move off the fireline and into areas safely away from hazard trees and snags. Red flag conditions are a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds that can cause wildfires or cause them to quickly spread.

A slight increase in the acres burned in the lightning-caused fire is due to more accurate mapping, officials said. The Consalus Fire is now estimated to have burned 475 acres on the Priest Lake Ranger District.

Fire crews are utilizing sprinkler systems to cool the edges while working to mop up remaining hotspots in the Consalus Creek area, officials said.

"Hardworking firefighters have completed a large portion of the challenging fireline work, and the need for firefighting resources is increasing around the nation," IMT officials said.

As a result, some crews will be released from the Consalus Fire over the next few days. After days off to rest, the crews will be available for other fires.

A helicopter assigned to the Consalus Fire continues to assist fires in the surrounding areas while still being available for use on the Priest Lake Fire District when needed.

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" 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 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 dropped to 30 percent.

"Crews were able to hold the fireline throughout the red flag warning conditions on Monday," officials said. "The spot fire has been lined and received bucket drops, it is not predicted to increase in activity."

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

Management of the fire was assumed by the Sandpoint Ranger District on July 19. There are 12 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.

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