Two fires burning in Priest Lake district
Courtesy photo The North Fork Hughes Fire north of Hughes Meadows in the upper Hughes Creek drainage near Priest Lake is about 15 acres and difficult for firefighters to battle.
Wildfire season 2017 has started in North Idaho.
Firefighters on Monday battled two small wildfires in the Priest Lake Ranger District.
The 1-acre Cedar Creek Fire in the Cedar Creek drainage is believed to have been caused by lightning.
About 5 miles west of that fire, the North Fork Hughes Fire north of Hughes Meadows in the upper Hughes Creek drainage was about 15 acres on Monday afternoon and visible from the Priest Lake Recreation Area.
That fire, also believed to be caused by lightning, was located by firefighters on July 4.
Smokejumpers were sent to suppress the fire, but after three days, due to safety concerns, they disengaged.
"The plan will give the highest priority to firefighter and public safety, with safe, efficient, and mindful management decisions," said Chandra Neils, acting Priest Lake District ranger.
Steep, rugged terrain is challenging and presenting safety concerns for firefighters on the North Fork Hughes Fire, Neils said.
The fire is burning in a remote location within the Salmo Priest Wilderness where access is limited, she said. It is burning in large trees on a steep slope.
"As it burns, trees are falling, posing significant hazards to firefighters," a U.S. Forest Service press release states.
"One of the challenges with this fire is that because of the heavy dense timber, retardant and water would not be effective as the fire is currently burning inside of cedar trees."
Fire managers are evaluating the fire from both air and ground, Neils said. Firefighters can't safely engage the fire due to remoteness, rugged terrain, heavy fuels, snags and a lack of helicopter landing spots, escape routes and safety zones.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or call Kary Maddox at (208) 443-6835.