Single Incident Information

Bonners Ferry Ranger District Katka Fire Fact Sheet  Friday, September 2, 2022Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Bonners Ferry Ranger District
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8373/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNFPublic Information Phone: (208) 557-8813Boundary County Emergency Line: (208) 696-2629
Fire Name:  Katka Fire       Location:  Bonners Ferry, IdahoStarted:  August 31, 2022       Cause: LightningSize:  35 Acres                       Containment:   0%
 Aerial detection identified several new fire starts resulting from Wednesday’s weather system, including the Katka Fire.  The fire is burning near Katka Peak in very steep terrain. Crews continue responding to multiple fires on the District and prioritizing resources based upon values at risk. Fires currently burning in the Selkirk Mountains are being reported in another Fact Sheet.
Significant aerial efforts Thursday on the Katka Fire (including use of large air tankers, FireBoss aircraft, and helicopters) helped to cool hot spots and reduce fire spread to approximately 35 acres.  However, Friday’s inversion may reduce visibility and impede aircraft.  An Interagency Hotshot Crew began working on the Katka Fire Thursday, focusing on scouting for safe and efficient locations to directly engage the fire, as well as constructing suppression firelines around another adjacent small fire. Additional resources have been ordered to assist the District.
Closures: Due to Katka Fire activity and increased fire traffic, please avoid roads and trails in the vicinity. Trails currently impacted include: McGinty Ridge Trail (143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow Trail (182). 
Evacuations: There are NO evacuations currently in place related to the Katka Fire.  However, when living in fire-prone areas, all residents must have an evacuation plan, including having all essential documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered and quickly transportable.  Residents of Boundary County, ID, can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. To learn more about Ready Set Go, visit https://bit.ly/3wi0jMu . For tips on defensible space for homes, visit Firewise https://bit.ly/3PALyeG. To prevent unwanted fires, visit the Idaho Department of Lands https://bit.ly/3c4v158.

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