Containment increases on Consalus Fire

PRIEST RIVER — Thanks to a lot of hard work – and dedication — from firefighters battling the wildfire, the Consalus Fire has reached 50% containment, fire officials said Thursday.

The fire, located on the Priest Lake Ranger District in Pend Oreille County, Wash., has burned an estimated 475 acres.

On the eastern edge of the fire, specialize tree faller units are working to remove snags and other hazard trees. On the southeaster perimeter, fire crews are using sprinklers to cool the fire's edge in an effort to search for, and extinguish, any remaining hot spots, Northern Rockies Type 3 Incident Management Team officials said.

"As containment rises and tasks are completed, we will continue to release resources to be available for other incidents around the nation," officials said.

That meant saying goodbye to two more crews at the end of shift Thursday, IMT officials said.

"[We] would like to take this opportunity to thank all the firefighters and support staff that have come to help battle this lightning-caused fire," they added.

A draft fire suppression repair plan has been approved and will be shared with field operations today. They will work to implement all the tasks that are outlined in the plan.

As another warm and sunny weekend nears, fire officials asked the public to recreate responsibly if they head out into the woods.

"The public plays a valuable role in wildfire prevention," officials said in the daily update. "On average, 87% of all wildfires are caused by humans each year. Many of these wildfires occur near roads, communities, and recreation areas, threatening public safety."

Reported June 30, the Consalus Fire is located 10 miles west of Coolin, Idaho, and is 50% contained. There are 196 fire personnel assigned to the fire, as well as a helicopter, five hand crews as well as a district fire unit, two engines, two faller modules, five water tenders, a dozer, and other equipment. Firefighting efforts are being managed by Northern Rockies Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Dan Brown.

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.

A spot fire that flared up July 19 has been lined and is not expected to increase in activity. With the need for aerial assistance, a helitack crew has left the fire, officials said Friday.

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

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