Crews gaining ground on fire
Camp crew members clean and roll hose that has been brought in from the fireline so it's ready for the next fire.
(Photo courtesy USDA FOREST SERVICE)
PRIEST RIVER — From no name creek to Consalus Creek, things are “looking really good” on the south and southeastern edges of the Consalus Fire, Northern Rockies Type 3 Incident Management Team officials said Saturday.
Crews continue to utilize sprinklers on the south and southeaster edges of the fire as they work to mop up any heat. On the western perimeter, IMT officials said firefighters pulled hose and unneeded equipment as they patrol and monitor the fire’s edge. Also, heavy equipment crews are working to clear and improve roads impacted by fire activity.
The weekend’s objectives remain the same as the past few days — to secure and monitor the perimeter as well as working on suppression repair and backhauling equipment that’s no longer needed, IMT officials said.
A helicopter previously assigned to the fire has been released but IMT officials said aviation resources are available in the district should the need arise.
Officials continued to urge the public to recreate responsibly should they head into the woods
“The public plays a valuable role in wildfire prevention,” they said in a press release updating activity on the fire. On average, 87% of all wildfires are caused by humans each year.”
If a campfire is built, keep it small, be sure to always attend to it and extinguish it completely prior to leaving. Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put the fire out, they added.
Reported June 30, the Consalus Fire is located 10 miles west of Coolin, Idaho, and is 50% contained. There are 154 fire personnel assigned to the fire. 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" 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.
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