Firefighters work to contain Bakers Camp fire

BONNERS FERRY —A wildfire has been reported near Bonners Ferry at Bakers Camp near Smith Creek.

The location is 18 miles northeast Bonners Ferry and eight miles south of the Canadian border. The wildfire began on June 29 at about 8 p.m. due to lightning. No structures are threatened.

As of July 8 at 10 a.m., about 50 percent of the fire had been contained.

Total personnel fighting the fire is 63 people. Incident commander is Rodney Weeks of North Idaho Type III Incident Management Team. There are multiple air resources assigned to the fire including several helicopters conducting water bucket drops and supporting logistics.

Crews will continue to aggressively tackle the fire, utilizing air support to suppress fire in the inaccessible terrain. Precipitation has been minimal and increasing temperatures in the coming days will be a concern for its potential to lower humidity and increase fire behavior.

A temporary flight restriction is still in place.

There has been minimal growth and minimal fire behavior in the last 24 hours.

Recreationalists and residents living in or visiting the area are encouraged to stay informed of the changing conditions.

Firefighters also are beginning to get a handle on the Granite fire in the Nordman area of Bonner County.

Crews have the 120-acre Granite Fire about partially contained as of Tuesday morning.

The wildland fire, which is located six miles northwest of Nordman, sits at 20 percent containment after firefighters were able to box in the fire and punch a fireline along the western edge through the use of a bulldozer.

About 82 firefighters are on scene at the fire, which was caused by lightning strikes on June 29.

“Excellent progress was made,” said Jill Cobb, fire information officer for the Priest Lake Ranger District.”

Crews cleared roads in the vicinity of the south, outheastern portions of the fire to create safe access for our firefighters and prepare for fireline construction.”

The good news comes after dangerous conditions forced firefighter crews to disengage from the Granite Fire on Sunday, which allowed the wildfire to grow to 120 acres.

The blaze was first reported as a 15-acre wildfire.

There are no structures currently threatened by the fire.

Priest River Times reporter Nick Ivie contributed to this report.

Details regarding fire restrictions can be found at http://idahofireinfo.blogspot.com/. The homepage for this incident, which includes photos and updates, is available at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4357