Wildland fires being managed by forest district

ST. MARIES - The St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests is currently managing four wildland fires for resource benefit.

Three fires are in the Mallard Larkins Pioneer Area including the Fawnstooth, Sawtooth and Elk Fires. The Needle Fire, located in the upper St. Joe River corridor, is also being managed for resource benefit.

The resource benefits to be gained from these natural ignitions include reducing hazardous fuel accumulations, improving big game habitat, and allowing fire to fulfill vital ecological processes.

The fires were started by lightning late last week when a thunderstorm moved across the south end of the forest. Currently the fires are about one-third of an acre in size and are slowly creeping and smoldering.

"Considering the wet year we've been having and the remote location of these fires, we couldn't ask for a better situation," St. Joe River District Ranger Chuck Mark said. "Natural fires like these provide a great opportunity to safely allow wildfire to fulfill its natural role in the forest."

Travelers in the St. Joe Ranger District may see smoke and fire in areas including Forest Road 395, Forest Road 320, and Trails 48, 11, 109, 110, 111 and 141. If you travel in the vicinity of the fires, please take precautions and be aware of the following hazards - potentially erratic fire behavior, rolling rocks or logs and falling snags and trees.

Information: (208) 245-2531