Single Publication

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

Start Date: 6/30/2023      

Cause: Lightning      

Size: 467 acres      

Containment: 30%         

Total Personnel: 251   

Equipment: Heavy Equipment Task Force, 2 Dozers, Excavator, Water Tender, Feller Buncher, Masticator, Grader             

Hand Crews: 6 + a district module                      

Engines: 5             

Aircraft: 1 helicopter, 1 Unmanned Aerial System

Other: 4 Faller Modules, 7 Water Tenders, Ambulance, REMs

Crews have made good progress strengthening firelines on the west and southwest edges. They have also completed the contingency line to the west of the fire. Near Consalus Creek, firefighters are combing the area outside the fire perimeter for hazard trees and snags. Once this is complete and the area is safe, crews will begin gridding the burned areas for any remaining pockets of heat to be extinguished. An unnamed drainage in the southeastern area of the fire is holding heat but firefighters are unable to safely get into the area due to the existing tree snags. Tonight, will be the last night shift unless significant activity occurs that requires overnight surveillance.

Forest Service Road (FSR) #659 improvements are being made to allow better travel access for crews and equipment. Fire managers are also considering using FSR #659 as a contingency line.

Fire officials are working to create the fire suppression repair plan. Once completed and approved the plan will be a guide for fire crews as they begin repairs on areas that were affected by fire suppression activities.

As fire activity increases around the Western states additional fire crews have been ordered for this area and will be available for any needs that may arise on existing or new fires. Aviation resources assigned to the fire have been assisting with new starts in the surrounding areas as needed.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Light terrain driven winds will continue today and tonight along with continued warm temperatures. A cold front on Monday will deliver elevated fire weather concerns due to gusty southwest winds as well as warm and dry conditions. Today's high temperature will be 91 degrees, with a minimum humidity of 21 percent. Winds will be south/southwest 5-15 mph.

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: The remaining portion of FSR #1094 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.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinity. If you fly, we can't.