Growth slows on area fires

Fire behavior on a trio of Boundary County fires is expected to be moderate, U.S. Forest Service officials said Friday.

Thanks to a recent storm that passed over the area, the Eneas Peak, Trout and Russell Mountain fires received wetting rains that helped slow the fires' growth. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels also have helped slow the growth.

"The three fires are burning in remote areas of mixed conifer stands with pockets of heavy dead and down, but fire spread has been held in check in the wetter areas, Caroline Mcgough, USFS public information officer, said.

The Eneas Peak Fire, sparked by lighting on Aug. 13, has burned 780 acres; the Trout Fire, sparked by lightning on Aug. 21, has burned 15 acres; and the Russell Mountain Fire, started by lightning on Aug. 24, has burned 19 acres. All three are listed as zero percent contained.

Fire crews will continue to monitor the fires, which are burning in remote areas of mixed conifer stands with pockets of downed and dead trees.

"These fires are currently not near any values at risk and remain in the confine, contain, and point protect suppression strategy," Mcgough said.

District crews are working to acquire a hot shot crew, two Type-6 engines, and air support as needed to help fight the fires.

In addition, two fires in the Black Mountain area have been contained and are being transitioned into a "controlled" status.

Diamond Watch Fire

With the assistance of heavy equipment, firefighters have completed almost 7 miles of containment lines on the west, south and east sides of the fire. On the north side of the fire, Diamond Creek is serving as a natural barrier to keep the fire contained.

"The combined areas that fire officials have deemed confined and contained equals 44% of the fire’s perimeter; these are the edges of the fire that have reached the line and not moved further for days," Kary Maddox, USFS public information officer, said.

The fire has received "considerable amounts of rain" in recent days, which has diminished much of the interior heat and slowed forward progression of the fire, Maddox said. However, residents will likely still see smoke from the fire from Highway 57 near Nordman until an end-of-the-season event occurs.

Over the next few days, Maddox said fire crews will continue to use masticators — similar to wood chippers — and dozers to complete the containment lines. Crews also are patrolling the lines and are prepared to take action if needed.

However, [d]irect action within the fire area

would be dangerous for firefighters due to the steep rugged terrain which is covered by dead and down trees in jackstraw

piles," Maddox said.

Thor Fire

Located on the Colville National Forest, the Thor Fire has burned roughly 190 acres since it was sparked by lightning Aug. 13.

A full-suppression strategy is being used with firefighter and public safety being the highest priority, Livia Stecker, public information officer, said.

"The steep and rugged terrain in the immediate fire area poses a risk to fire crews on the ground," Stecker said. "Heavy equipment and crews are actively working on improving indirect line such as existing roads and natural barriers. These roads and natural barriers provide a safer location with a high probability of success in stopping fire spread."

The fire is burning in an area where low to moderate fire activity does not pose a threat to wildlife habitat, recreation infrastructure, or private land.

Closures and evacuations

On the Diamond Watch Fire, closure orders are in effect for Forest Service roads 311, 308, and 1362H in the vicinity of the fire. However, FSR 1362 remains open. Petit Lake and is associated campsites are within the closure area. USFS officials reminds residents that all methods of travel are prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and area.

On the Eneas Peak and Trout fires, residents are asked to avoid Trout Creek Road (Forest Service Road 634) as well as nearby trails to allow for fire suppression efforts in the vicinity. Trails included are Fisher Peak (No. 27), Pyramid Lake (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Trout Lake (No. 41) and Ball and Pyramid Lakes Trail (No 43).

On the Thor Fire, FSR 2200300 is closed to public use.

All methods of travel are prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and area.

While there are no evacuations in place, when living in fire prone areas it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan in place including having all important documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and easily transportable.