Fire danger rising quickly in region

SANDPOINT — As containment of the Consalus Fire increased to 70%, state officials advised that fire danger in most of the state is rated as very high to extreme.

As of Tuesday, Idaho Department of Lands crews have fought 166 fires, with most being human-caused or investigated as possibly being human-caused.

"IDL works hard to hold fires to 10 acres or less, and that becomes more challenging with very high and extreme conditions," Josh Harvey, IDL fire management bureau chief, said.

Due to the extreme fire danger, fire officials asked for increased caution. Given the conditions, a spark can start and carry a fire a long distance, putting communities at greater risk for catastrophic fires, they noted.

State burn permits are not currently being issued, except in cases of agricultural field burning. State burn permits are required from May 10 to Oct. 20. However, restrictions on issuing permits change as fire conditions change.

Currently, the Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area is under Stage 1 fire restrictions. Under the first stage, restrictions center around human activities known to be high-risk, such as smoking outside of enclosed buildings and vehicles or developed recreation sites and campfires outside of designated recreation sites.

Other areas could see restrictions over the next few weeks, IDL officials said.

"Idahoans and tourists recreating in areas without fire restrictions need to use extra caution and avoid activities that could spark a fire," added Harvey.

Anyone found at fault for starting a wildfire can be billed the cost of fighting a fire if they are found to be negligent, officials said.

Those who feel the need to have a campfire should only use a fire ring and clear all debris away from the ring. All fires need to be dead out before going to bed or leaving the site, and if fire restrictions are in place, they must be followed.

Vehicles and/or ATVs and UTVs should never be parked over dry grass. Officials also recommended carrying water and a shovel when hitting the trails.

In addition, chains should be secured on trailers and tires should be checked to ensure they are in good shape to avoid flat tires.

For more fire information and resources, go online to idl.idaho.gov/fire-management.

Consalus Fire

With the complexity of the fire decreasing in nature, management of the fire was transitioned back to the Priest Lake Fire District.

"Although officials feel confident that the fire will stay within its existing footprint, the other 30% still has the potential for activity near the firelines and will require additional work to ensure its containment," Priest Lake Ranger District officials said in a daily update.

Officials said firefighters will continue patrolling and monitoring the fire's edge as they pull equipment that is no longer needed.

The Consalus Fire, located 10 miles west of Coolin, Idaho, in Pend Oreille County, Wash., was reported on June 30. The fire, which has burned an estimated 471 acres, is 70% contained. There are 98 fire personnel assigned to the fire.

Information: bit.ly/ConsalusFire

Bee Top Fire

Reported July 1, the lightning-sparked fire has burned an estimated 45 acres; containment is estimated at 80%. There are eight personnel assigned to the fire.

Crews are continuing to monitor the Bee Top Fire to ensure it stays within containment lines. The fire was placed in "patrol status" on July 18, which means that crews check on the fire on a regular basis but do not anticipate the need to build additional containment lines.

The public is advised that heavy equipment is operating around Lightning Creek Road and to exercise appropriate caution, officials said.

Information: bit.ly/BeeTopFire

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