Single Publication

Buckskin 2 Fire - August 21, 2023

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Sandpoint Ranger District

Fire Information: 208-557-8813

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idipf-buckskin-2-fire

Type 3 Incident Commander, Brian Hicks

Location: Located approximately 8 miles due south of Clark Fork, ID on the upper end of Twin Creek and Buckskin Saddle, south of Highway 200

Start Date: 8/4/2023          Cause: Undetermined         Size: 242 acres        Containment: 65%

Total Personnel: 110           Engines: 8      Hand Crews: 4          Modules: 2

Heavy Equipment: 3 Dozers, 2 Skidgens, 1 Water Tender

There has been no growth on the fire in several days and fire behavior is just a smoldering interior. Fireline is completed around the entire perimeter, and containment is expected to increase as mop continues and reinforces the line. Due to this, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office has rescinded the READY status for Twin Creek Road and Rearden Road residents. Those driving in the area are asked to continue to drive with caution as there is still ample fire traffic in the area, as firefighters will continue to patrol of direct handline and dozer line. The fire remains 1.8 miles from the nearest structure. The Forest Closure remains in place fire firefighter and public safety around active operations.

Until a season-ending event occurs, smoke may be visible from pockets of unburned fuels within the perimeter of the fire. The smoke that has settled into the area is from existing and new large fires in Washington and British Columbia. See https://fire.airnow.gov/ for more detailed smoke information.

The published email and phone number will still be monitored. If you are having any issues connecting to these sites, or simply have questions about the status of the fire, please call the fire information line at 208-557-8813. The line is staffed from 7 AM to 7 PM, and all calls will be returned.

EVACUATION STATUS

The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office has rescinded the READY notification for the Twin Creek Rd and Rearden Rd residents in Clark Fork as of August 19, 2023, at 4 PM. Citizens should continue to stay alert and prepared, as fire conditions are always subject to quick and unexpected changes. Sign up for Bonner County Sheriff’s Office emergency messaging through NIXLE at www.nixle.com to receive local status updates.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Forest Closure Order is in effect for roads associated with the Buckskin Fire; the intersection of Forest Service Roads 203 and 332, the intersection of FSR 1021 and 332, and 1533 and 306 in Clark Fork. UTV trail 77 is closed as well. An extension of the FSR 203 closure, extending to the edge of private land, took effect on 8/15 at 0700. The public is prohibited from the general area for firefighter safety and asked to practice caution while driving near firefighters and apparatuses.

Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect. To view the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan and a statewide map with current information regarding fire restrictions, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder.

The Temporary Flight Restriction that was in place for the safety of our aerial resources and firefighters on the ground has been officially rescinded as of August 20, 2023. Drone operators are reminded to never fly around active fire operations, as it could create critical interference with firefighting efforts. If you fly, we can't!

WEATHER

Shower and thunderstorm chances increase Sunday afternoon and stay elevated throughout Tuesday. Mostly sunny then becoming mostly cloudy. 15% chance of showers in the afternoon. Chance of wetting rain 5%.