Gains continue on Consalus Fire

PRIEST RIVER — Crews have kept the Consalus Fire from any significant growth for more than a week, fire officials said Friday.

The lightning-caused fire is located 10 miles west of Coolin, Idaho, in nearby Pend Oreille County, Wash. Since it was discovered on June 30, the fire has burned an estimated 475 acres — a number that has not changed for more than a week.

Sprinklers are cooling the fire's edge on the east and southeast perimeters, especially in the Consalus Creek area, Northern Rockies Type 3 Incident Management Team officials said. Fire crews also are patrolling the fire's western side of the fire while pulling unneeded equipment from the area.

As part of a suppression repair plan, heavy equipment crews are clearing and repairing the roads affected by the fire or used by fire crews.

"The intent is to minimize soil erosion, restore impacted ecological functions to their previous conditions, and repair trail and road systems to their original condition," officials said.

With another warm and sunny weekend, fire officials are asking people to recreate responsibly if they head out into the woods.

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

Containment of the Bee Top Fire is back at 80%. Reported July 1, the lightning-sparked fire has burned an estimated 45 acres. There are eight personnel assigned to the 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.

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