Updates on the Kootenai River Complex will be provided with less frequency or as operations change.

Incident Command: Bonners Ferry District Type 3, Brian Hicks/Mitch Prophet(t) Incident Commanders  

Estimated Size: 22,787 acres                                   Completion: 85%                                                                                                                                    Personnel: 89

Highlights: In areas around properties where the threat is significantly reduced, like those with cold burned areas around them, crews will begin removing structure protection equipment like pumps, hoses, and sprinklers. Crews will communicate with property owners as this occurs. Fire activity is reduced due to shorter days, lower temperatures, and higher daytime humidity. However, a season-ending event has not yet occurred, and fire remains on the landscape. Expect to see continued smoke until the snow falls or significant rain occurs. Still, with decreased fire behavior, the threat is much less than it was earlier in the season. Equipment will remain around properties that could still be impacted. Firefighters will stay in the area and continue strengthening firelines, testing pumps and hoses still set up, and cooling the fire's edge where they can access it.

With hunting season approaching, the public should know that USFS Bonners Ferry Ranger District closures remain in place (https://tinyurl.com/BFClosure). The main fire's closure area runs from Long Canyon Trail No. 16 north of the Complex to Cascade Creek Road No. 2411 on the south. Trail No. 's 182 and 143 remain closed for the Katka Fire. These closures are for public and firefighter safety and will be assessed throughout the duration of the fires and into winter and spring. Fire and post-fire hazards may remain, and the USFS will make notifications as status changes occur.

Planned Actions: As expected, there was a slight increase in fire activity on Tuesday due to the warmer and drier weather. Fire managers continue to check all areas of the fire. They will use helicopters to drop water to cool the fire's edge where needed. A fuel break along the dozer line on Clark Creek has been completed. Water bars have been added to the Ball Creek and Clark Creek handlines to prevent erosion. Firefighters are gridding to check for and cool the remaining heat in areas where the fire has burned to the control line. Crews continue to check the firelines and test pumps and sprinkler systems. The Long Canyon and Katka fires show a slight uptick in fire behavior but are not causing concern. They remain unstaffed, and firefighters continue to monitor them from the air and lookout points.

Weather: The upper ridge causing warmer and drier temperatures will remain through the weekend. Temperatures will be in the upper 60’s and low relative humidity will drop to 39-41% the next few days. On Wednesday, winds will be southeast at 1-3 mph with gusts to 10 mph, and on Thursday north winds will switch to east in the afternoon at 2-5 mph.

Closures: The following National Forest Trails and Roads are closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Cascade Creek Road (FS 2411), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), Burton Peak Trail (No. 9), Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (No. 221) and Long Canyon Trail (No. 16).

Evacuations: There are NO evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho, 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.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-2384) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-5373) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can't!

Updates on the Kootenai River Complex will be provided with less frequency or as operations change.

Incident Command: Bonners Ferry District Type 3, Brian Hicks/Mitch Prophet(t) Incident Commanders  

Estimated Size: 22,559 acres                                   Completion: 85%                                                                                                                                    Personnel: 91

Highlights: An Open House will be held on Tuesday, October 4, from 5-7 pm at the barn at the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge. There will not be a formal presentation. People are welcome to stop by any time between 5 and 7 pm, look at maps and talk to representatives from the fire management team, the Bonners Ferry Ranger District, and local government. 

This time of year, fire activity is significantly reduced due to shorter days, lower temperatures, and higher daytime humidity. However, a season-ending event has not yet occurred, and fire remains on the landscape. Expect to see continued smoke until the snow falls or significant rain occurs. Still, with decreased fire behavior, the threat is much less than it was earlier in the season. In areas around properties where the threat is significantly reduced, like those with cold burned areas around them, crews are assessing where structure protection equipment like pumps and hoses can be taken down. Equipment will remain around properties that could still be impacted. Firefighters will stay in the area and continue strengthening firelines, testing pumps and hoses still set up, and cooling the fire's edge where they can access it. 

There are still lots of firefighting crews and equipment on Westside Road. Please avoid traveling there if you are not a resident and do not need to access this area. For those driving this road, please slow down and be careful of firefighters for their safety and yours. 

Planned Actions: The Long Canyon and Katka fires are showing minimal fire behavior and remain unstaffed. Firefighters continue to monitor them from the air and lookout points. Crews are working on a fuel break from Farnham Creek to Trout Creek to strengthen the existing heavy equipment line. Handline has been completed where firefighters were connecting the dozer line. On Sunday, a helicopter dropped water on the southern end of the Russell Mountain Fire to keep the fire's edge in check. Crews continue to work on the fireline in that area. Suppression repair work has been completed on contingency lines that are no longer needed. 

Weather: Temperatures remain in the low 60's to mid-'70s in the mountains over the next several days. Low relative humidity will drop to 35-50% during the days. On Monday, winds will be south to southwest at 3-5 mph, and on Tuesday, south to southeast at 3-5 mph. These weather conditions could cause increased fire behavior in areas still holding heat. 

Closures: Long Canyon Trail (No. 16) is now closed. The following National Forest Trails and Roads remain closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho, 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.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-2384) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-5373) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can't!

Be aware there is still extensive fire traffic and activity on Westside Road. If possible, please avoid unnecessary travel in this area. If you do drive this road, please go slow and watch for firefighters and equipment. We appreciate your help keeping everyone safe.

Updates on the Kootenai River Complex will be provided with less frequency or as operations change.

Incident Command: Bonners Ferry District Type 3, Brian Hicks/Mitch Prophet(t) Incident Commanders  

Estimated Size: 22,559 acres                                   Completion: 85%                                                       Personnel: 155

Highlights: A type 3 Bonners Ferry Ranger District incident management organization assumed command of the Kootenai River Complex on Saturday, October 1.

Rain that fell Thursday and Friday significantly decreased fire behavior to smoldering. Heat remains in heavy fuels and those sheltered by tree canopies that didn't receive as much moisture. 

Planned Actions: Firefighters continue to monitor the Long Canyon Fire from the air and lookout points as visibility and conditions allow. An engine crew and wildland fire module are assessing structure needs up Smith Creek. The Katka Fire remains unstaffed and is monitored by air resources as conditions allow. 

To the west of Westside Road, firefighters continue widening and strengthening control lines and connecting dozer lines with handline where needed. Firefighters are positioned to fight the fire directly if it backs down to these control lines. Where this has already occurred, crews are cooling hot spots and creating 50 feet of depth into the fire interior to increase containment. Heavy equipment will be moved as needed to strengthen lines and conduct suppression repair work. Additionally, firefighters regularly turn on and test sprinkler systems around structures to wet the ground and ensure they are working. Due to the wet weather, higher humidity, and shortened burn periods due to reduced daylight hours, the fire may not reach the fire line in all places. 

In some areas, suppression repair work has begun, including closing indirect lines no longer necessary and installing water bars for erosion control. 

Weather: Over the next several days, temperatures are expected to increase to the mid-'70s to low 80's, and low relative humidity will drop to 46-51% during the days. On Saturday, winds will be northeast at 5-9 mph, switching to the south to southeast at 3-8 mph on Sunday and Monday. These weather conditions could cause increased fire behavior in areas still holding heat. 

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, Westside Road is restricted to residents only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails and Roads remain closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho, 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.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-2384) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-5373) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can't!

Please note: Factsheets on the Kootenai River Complex will be provided with less frequency or as operations change.

Incident Command: Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team Gold, Brian Pisarek, IC

Estimated Size: 22,482 acres                       Completion: 85%                                             Personnel: 224

Key Message: The Eastern Area Incident Management Team will be officially transitioning to a new team this coming weekend. Fire management responsibilities for the Kootenai River Complex will be given back to the local Ranger District. The incoming team will shadow the outgoing team on Friday so they will be ready to take full control on Saturday.
 
Current Status: Wednesday was a much more active fire day than the previous few days. A lot of smoke and fog was held down at low elevations by the inversion, but parts of the fire burning above the inversion were putting up straight columns of smoke. An area in Long Canyon burned upslope Wednesday, reaching the ridge line but stayed on the south slope of Long Canyon Creek. Heavy helicopters dropped 46,500 gallons on Long Canyon and 79,000 gallons of water on the Farnham area to slow the fire spread. Heavy fuels and sheltered fuels are the main carriers of fire, but dry shrubs and low tree branches are becoming more susceptible to burning.

Planned Actions: The weather front coming through the area Thursday will bring cooler air and higher humidity which will lower fire intensity, but sheltered fuels will continue to smolder. Air resources will monitor the activity on the Long Canyon fire since it’s unexpected growth on Wednesday and determine needs for action and crews will begin assessing structures along Smith Creek Canyon. The Katka Fire will be unstaffed and monitored by air resources. Crews will continue their suppression repair efforts where safe to do so. There is an opportunity for crews to put in a new dozer line that will connect two sections of existing line in the Farnham area. Along Westside Rd firefighters will be patrolling fire control lines, testing and maintaining structure protection equipment, and mitigating hazard trees and snags.

Weather: Rain is expected across the area Thursday morning ranging from ¼ to ½ inch. The high temperatures will be in the 60’s and relative humidity will rise to around 80-86%. Winds will be calm and variable.

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, Westside Road is restricted to residents only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails and Roads are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho 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 .

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-2384) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-5373) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

*Factsheets on the Kootenai River Complex will be provided with less frequency or as operations change*

Incident Command: Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team Gold, Brian Pisarek, IC 

Estimated Size: 21,808 acres Completion: 85%              Personnel: 230
 
Key Message: As the complexity of fires change, so does the infrastructure supporting those fires. The Eastern Area Incident Management Team is expected to transition the command of the Kootenai River Complex, back to the Bonners Ferry Ranger District this coming weekend. Over the next several days, some resources on the fire will be timing out or shifting their efforts to other objectives such as suppression repair.
 
Current Status: Fire behavior was a little more active causing widespread smoke and fog at lower elevations due to an inversion layer coupled with light winds. This made fire progression monitoring challenging for operations at night and in the early mornings, including the ability to monitor control lines by air. Dead and down heavy fuels continue to be the main carrier of fire, particularly on the southern and eastern slopes. The main operations firefighters are focusing on are reinforcing and patrolling fire control lines, mitigating hazard trees and snags, and chipping cut materials.

Planned Actions: More smoke expected in the lower elevations with another day of heavy air settling over the area.  Crews will be actively looking for opportunities for suppression repair in areas that will not impact secure control lines. Fire intensity is expected to remain low, smoldering and creeping through dead and down fuels. Priorities are reinforcing and patrolling fire control lines and monitoring fire behavior, especially in canyons that have shown recent activity. There will still be testing of structure protection equipment, chipping, excavating and hazard tree removal. The Katka Fire and Long Canyon Fire have shown minimal fire growth and will continue to be unstaffed and monitored by aircraft if conditions are safe for flying.
 
Weather: Weather patterns will be warm and dry through Wednesday, but winds should be relatively calm.  High temperatures in the valley will be in the upper 70’s/low 80’s with minimum relative humidity hovering around 25-37%. On Thursday, temperatures are expected to drop 20 degrees with a chance of precipitation.
 
Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, Westside Road is restricted to residents only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails and Roads are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).
 
Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho 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

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-2384) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-1621) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Please note: Factsheets on the Kootenai River Complex will be provided with less frequency or as operations change.

Incident Command: Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team Gold, Brian Pisarek, IC

Estimated Size: 21, 692 acres                             Completion: 85%                                       Personnel: 221

Key Message: The next step in managing these fires is Suppression Repair. Crews have begun constructing water bars along dozer lines where they won’t affect the integrity of the control line. Water bars are structures built by creating a raised mound of material diagonally across a flat area to prevent erosion downslope from water runoff. In this case they’re earth material, sand and gravel, piled across bulldozed fire lines.

Current Status: Smoke and fog have been settling at low elevations and have been slow to lift during the day. This has made monitoring difficult in the mornings for firefighters but has also kept fire behavior relatively low. Dead and down heavy fuels continue to be the main source of fire and smoke. The main operations firefighters are focusing on are patrolling fire control lines, mitigating hazard trees and snags, and chipping cut materials. Air resources were unable to fly recon routes yesterday due to the smoke and fog hanging over the area, but will resume as conditions improve.

Planned Actions: The Katka Fire and Long Canyon Fire have shown minimal fire growth and will continue to be unstaffed and monitored by aircraft. Crews will be actively looking for opportunities for suppression repair in areas that will not impact secure control lines. Fire intensity is expected to remain low, smoldering and creeping through dead and down fuels. Priorities are patrolling fire control lines and monitoring fire behavior, especially in canyons that have shown recent activity. There will still be chipping and hazard tree mitigation in the area.

Weather: Weather patterns will be warm and dry through Tuesday, but low wind speeds are expected. High temperatures in the valley will be up to the high 70’s and minimum relative humidity will stay around 40%. Winds will be calm and variable through Tuesday at 2-5 mph and gusting up to 10 mph upslope.

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, Westside Road is restricted to residents only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails and Roads are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho 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 .

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-2384) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-1621) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Please note: Factsheets on the Kootenai River Complex will be provided with less frequency or as operations change.
Incident Command: Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team Gold, Brian Pisarek, IC

Estimated Size: 21,501 acres                       Completion: 79%                                             Personnel: 236

Key Message: With this cool and humid weather system in the area, smoke and fog is settling down along roadways below the fire, impairing visibility for vehicles driving both during the day and at night. Firefighter crews and emergency response vehicles are staged all along Westside Rd as well. Caution is recommended when driving in the area: slow down, turn on your headlights, and move over for emergency vehicles.

Current Status: About 1/10th inch of rain fell over the region Thursday and had varying effects at different elevations. Parts of the fire with heavier tree cover prevented a lot of moisture from reaching the ground, while the areas with more open ground and lower in the valleys received more moisture. Cleanup of hazard trees and flush cutting snags and stumps is ongoing along Westside Road. Air resources were unable to fly recon routes yesterday due to the weather but will resume as conditions improve. Firefighters continue to strengthen and monitor dozer and handlines during day operations and patrol and monitor the lines during night operations.
 
Planned Actions: Firefighters will be actively looking for opportunities for suppression repair in areas that will not impact secure control lines. Fire intensity is expected to remain low with smoldering and creeping movement within the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to patrol the dozer and handlines and monitor fire behavior, with a focus on Fisher Creek, Farnham Creek, and Trout Creek. There will still be chipping operations in the area. The Katka Fire and Long Canyon will be monitored by air. This period of low fire activity allows for the opportunity to plan and prepare for future events.

Weather: Temperatures will warm through the weekend while the daily low relative humidity will go down. Temperatures Friday in the valley will be 50-63 degrees with minimum relative humidity around 48%. Winds will be light through the weekend, blowing southwest and upslope at 6-13 mph and gusting up to 20 mph.

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, Westside Road is restricted to residents only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails and Roads are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho 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.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-7802) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-1621) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t! 

Incident Command: Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team Gold, Brian Pisarek, IC

Estimated Size: 21,427 acres                       Completion: 79%                                             Personnel: 240

Key Message: One tactic being used to reduce the intensity of the Russell Mountain Fire is aerial suppression with helicopters dropping water on areas of increased fire behavior. There are three types of helicopters assisting fire personnel on this complex. Type 1 helicopters can carry and drop over 700 gallons of water, while Type 2 helicopters can carry up to 300 gallons of water. Type 3 helicopters are smaller and faster than the Type 2 and are more likely to be used for reconnaissance and are available for emergency medical extraction.

Current Status: Most of the fire activity seen by firefighters yesterday was around the Farnham area and the north side of Trout Creek. Helicopters focused their water drops over those areas and on the south end of the fire around Clark Creek. Crews are continuing to mitigate hazard trees and snags along Westside Road. The visible increase in smoke is due to the ignition of islands of unburned or green fuel inside the fire perimeter. The Katka Fire slightly increased in size but is still burning with low intensity. Firefighters continue to strengthen and monitor dozer and handlines during day operations and patrol and monitor the lines during night operations.

Planned Actions: Weather patterns will be shifting today and tomorrow to cooler and more humid conditions. Firefighters will continue to patrol the dozer and handlines and monitor fire behavior. There is still chipping to be done along Westside Rd. With the cooler, wetter weather, crews will focus on mopping up hot spots where the fire has reached the road and primary control lines, removing hazard trees, and testing structure protection equipment. Nighttime crews will continue monitoring fire behavior along Westside Rd. The Katka Fire and Long Canyon will be monitored by air. Firefighters will be looking for opportunities for suppression repair in areas that will not impact secure control lines.

Weather: The weather today will be milder than the last few days. Temperatures in the valley will be 63-68 degrees with minimum relative humidity of 46-58%. Winds will be light, blowing upslope then southwest at 4-8 mph. Light rain is expected during the day, with a 35% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10th inch.

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, Westside Road is restricted to residents only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails and Roads are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho 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 .

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-7802) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-1621) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Incident Command: Type 2 Eastern Area Incident Management Team Gold, Brian Pisarek, IC

Estimated Size: 21,189 acres                       Completion: 79%                                             Personnel: 241

Key Message: When a fire burns against the wind direction or downhill, it is known as a “backing fire”. This type of fire spread is slower and burns with a lower intensity than fire that’s moving with the wind or burning uphill. For the Russell Mountain Fire, hand and dozer lines have been made at the bottom of the slopes along Westside Rd so the fire can back down the hill and burn into the lines where firefighters have planned them.

Current Status: Fire activity increased yesterday and overnight with winds from the northeast gusting up the mountain slopes. The fire is still mainly creeping and smoldering through the understory, with some scattered flare ups reaching treetops. Helicopters made several water drops over the Long Canyon fire and the section of fire near Farnham Creek. Chipping operations along the Westside Road are nearly complete. Crews continued to reenforce dozer and handlines. Air resources monitored the increased activity on the Katka fire. Night operations were on patrol and reported a slight increase in fire behavior due to the gusty winds. An infrared detection flight occurred last night, so reported size has increased by 281 acres since the last detection on Sept. 17.

Planned Actions: Weather for the day will continue to be dry and windy, allowing for more active fire conditions and smoke production. Crews will continue to patrol the dozer and handlines and monitor fire behavior as it backs downhill. Firefighters will continue chipping operations along Westside Rd, mopping up, removing hazard trees, and testing structure protection equipment. Nighttime crews will maintain patrol routes along Westside Road. The Katka Fire and Long Canyon will be monitored by air. Fire officials and the Forest District are discussing long-term strategic planning processes for suppression repair and restoring public access.

Weather: The weather today will be mostly sunny and dry. Temperatures in the valley will be 72-77 degrees with minimum relative humidity of 23-29%. Winds expected variable out of the northeast at 4-8 mph with gusts up to 12mph. Higher humidity and the possibility for a light rain shower are expected overnight.

Closures: Due to active fires and fire suppression activities, Westside Road is restricted to residents only. Additionally, the following National Forest Trails and Roads are now closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9).

Evacuations: There are NO Evacuations currently in place. Those living on the Westside Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek, and Clark Creek are in READY fire pre-evacuation status. Residents of Boundary County, Idaho 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 .

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There are TFRs in place for air space over the Katka Fire (2-7802) and the Russell Mountain Fire (2-1621) for aviation safety. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!