Infrared flight gives updated look at wildfires

KELLOGG — An infrared flight is giving firefighters an updated look at the wildfires burning north of the Silver Valley.

Such flights were not possible in recent days due to cloud cover.

Comprised of the Deceitful and Prichard fires, the Character Complex has burned about 7,500 acres so far.

Some fire growth that appears new might not be, however.

“This is growth that happened about three days ago,” said Operations Section Chief Trainee Chris Johnson. “We just have a better look at it now.”

In anticipation of increased fire activity in the Cinnabar Creek drainage this week, crews have established sprinkler systems and wrapped power poles in the area. Bucket work is not possible over power lines, officials said.

Meanwhile, the neighboring Prichard fire remains 75% contained.

Firefighters are working to reduce vegetation and other fuels along the southwestern edge of the blaze, a process called mastication. This will further strengthen the containment line.

Air quality remains unhealthy in and around Kellogg as the wildfires continue to smolder.

To the south, the fires that make up the Stateline Complex remain 0% contained.

The complex is burning on the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, to the south and west of the Idaho-Montana state line.

Tumbledown fire, the largest in the complex, has burned about 9,400 acres so far.

Fire managers plan to use heavy equipment to construct lines on the north, northwest, west and southwest flanks of the blaze, where most of the recent growth has occurred.

Near the town of Avery, a structure protection group is performing structural assessments and mitigation work.