Wildfire closures expand for St. Joe Ranger District

AVERY — Extreme fire behaviors have prompted officials to expand area closures around the Stateline fire complex.

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.

The area closure now encompasses the headwaters of the St. Joe River, from Avery upstream.

The eastern boundary is the Montana state line, while the southern boundary is the border between the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest.

Roads that make up the area closure perimeter are open, but all roads and trails within are closed.

Moon Pass and the Route of the Hiawatha remain open.

The closure order is in effect until Nov. 30, or until the order is rescinded.

Violating the order is punishable by fines of $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, as well as by up to six months in jail.

Officials said Thursday that the Tumbledown Fire — the largest in the complex, which has burned more than 9,000 acres so far — made a nearly 5-mile run downriver that exceeded previous closure boundaries.

The spread was caused by wind, officials said.

North of the Silver Valley, a weather disturbance moved into the area surrounding the Character Complex.

Comprised of the Deceitful and Prichard fires, the Character Complex has burned about 7,400 acres so far.

The Deceitful Fire remains 0% contained as of late Thursday. Fire crews continued to monitor the Graham Creek area.

Meanwhile, the neighboring Prichard Fire remains 75% contained.

The fire’s interior reportedly produced more smoke Wednesday, indicating that previously unburned fuels were igniting. Air operations responded with bucket work.

Gusty winds could increase smoke as fire activity increases this week.