Crews battle fire near Spirit Lake

SPIRIT LAKE — A wildfire reported this morning between Spirit Lake and Athol has grown to about 12 acres this afternoon as crews battle the blaze from the ground and the air.

Spirit Lake Fire Chief John DeBernardi said no structures are threatened as the closest home in the remote area is more than a mile away.

The fire started along a one-lane dirt road west of Clagstone and north of Eagle, but DeBarnardi declined to speculate what may have caused the fire. The cause is undetermined, he said.

There hasn't been any lightning in the area and there are no power lines in the vicinity.

Three planes, including a tanker, and a helicopter are battling the fire from the air. 

Agencies on scene include Spirit Lake Fire, Timberlake, Northern Lakes, Idaho Department of Lands, Bureau of Land Management and Bonner County Emergency Management.

About twenty-five personnel were fighting the fire on the ground early this afternoon with more resources on the way. 

A slight wind and dry conditions are keeping crews on edge and preparing for the worst. 

"Be careful — no fires and no smoking," Spirit Lake Fire Marshal Wayne Nowacki said on scene. "Let's keep Smokey (the Bear) happy."

DeBarnardi said that since the area of the fire has been logged that has helped the conditions from a firefighting perspective.