Prescribed burns to start Sunday

Beginning Sunday, firefighters from the Idaho Panhandle National Forest plan to conduct a series of prescribed fires totaling 500 to 1,000 acres.

The prescribed fires will be located in the upper reaches of the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River near Teepee Creek, the Coeur d'Alene River Trail, Spion Kop and Pond Peak.

Depending on weather conditions, ignitions are expected to begin on Sunday and continue through Monday with lingering smoke and hot spots likely to remain in the area for several additional days. Signs will be posted along local roads and members of the public are urged to avoid the burn areas as ignition will take place very quickly using a helicopter. Forest Service firefighters will continue to monitor the burned areas until the fires are completely extinguished.

The purpose of these prescribed fires is to reduce the risk of significant wildfire and to improve the quality, quantity and distribution of big game browse. Specific locations for the burn units include West Elk, Spion Kop, Cinnamon, Taft, Wilson and Gold Creeks. A brochure and map describing the purpose, methods and locations for these prescribed fires may be downloaded from the Idaho Panhandle National Forest website or at www.northidahorxfire.com.