Fire crews attack Lee Fire

COOLIN — Heavy equipment has built an indirect line around the 30-acre Lee Fire reported near Coolin on Thursday, according to Idaho Department of Lands officials.

The fire, which was reported at 10 acres earlier in the day grew to 30 acres by evening, Scott Phillips, IDL policy and communications chief, said.

About 25 firefighters, including heavy equipment operators, responded to the fire.

Philips said crews were able to build an indirect line around the fire, allowing IDL to release rural fire departments that responded to the scene to assist.

"We greatly appreciate the assistance provided by the West Priest Lake Fire District, Coolin Cavanaugh Bay Fire Protection District, and the North of the Narrows Fire District," he said.

Phillips said the department planned to keep resources on scene through the night. Additional crews arriving Friday morning will include 15 firefighters and a water tender.

It's likely that those in the Coolin area were able to see the fire illuminating the sky Thursday after the sun set, Phillips said. 

An initial attack on the fire was reported shortly after 3:30 p.m. Thursday with the fire noted at about 10 acres. In an update released about 7 p.m., the fire had grown to 30 acres.

Early in the incident an engine became stuck in a meadow, but it was safely removed and sustained no damage, Phillips said.

Agencies responding to the fire included Idaho Department of Lands, West Priest Lake Fire District, Coolin Cavanaugh Bay Fire Protection District, and the North of the Narrows Fire District responded to the fire. From IDL, crews from the Helitac, and Pend Oreille Lake and Priest Lake supervisory areas responded.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.