Single Publication

Consalus Fire August 12, 2023

Priest Lake Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Incident Commander: Jake Hirst

Fire Information 208-996-0980    |    2023.consalus@firenet.gov

Location: 10 miles west of Coolin, ID, in Pend Oreille County, WA              

Start Date: 6/30/2023           Cause: Lightning        Size: 475 acres    Containment: 80%

Unless significant activity occurs, updates are being produced as needed

The Consalus Fire is being managed by fire officials out of the Priest Lake Ranger District. The fire remains at 80% contained, with firefighters working to mop up and secure the fireline around the other 20% of the perimeter. Crews are patrolling and monitoring the edge of the fire throughout the day while continuing to backhaul any unneeded equipment from the field. Within the perimeter of the fire, smoke has been seen from pockets of unburned fuels, and that can be expected to continue, especially on hot and dry days, until the area receives considerable precipitation.

In addition, work has begun to complete all that is outlined in the suppression repair plan. There is a considerable amount of work to be done to clear and improve roads that were impacted by fire activity. The Forest Closure Order will remain in effect until further notice for public and firefighter safety as the suppression repair work is expected to continue well into the fall.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests issued an emergency closure (Closure Order # 01-04-08-23-003) effective July 18, 2023. This replaced Closure Order #01-04-08-23-002. The emergency closure has been issued for public safety and prohibits all forms of travel on: Forest Service Road (FSR) #1108 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, but the remainder of FSR #1094 will be closed to the junction with FSR #1108. Additional road closures now include FSR #659 from the junction with FSR #312 to the junction with FSR #659B; FSR #333 from the junction with FSR #2730 to its terminus.

For firefighter and public safety, please avoid the following roads if possible as crews and heavy equipment continue to utilize these roads to access the fire area: The remaining portion of FSR #1094 is not part of the closure order; FSR #312 from the junction with FSR #333 to the junction with FSR #659; and FSR #333 from Highway 57 to the junction with FSR #1108. Please refer to the incident PIO map for a visual explanation.