Wildland firefighters gaining upper hand

AVERY — Firefighters are gaining the upper hand against the Stateline Complex, officials said Wednesday.

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 Tumbledown fire, the largest in the complex, has burned about 9,100 acres so far, mostly in rugged terrain.

It is 11% contained as of late Wednesday.

On the fire’s southern flank, hand crews and heavy equipment are building new fire lines while securing lines already in place.

In the Quartz Creek drainage, some fire crews are working west toward Highway 50, while others work east toward Bruin Creek.

The neighboring Dolly Creek fire remains 46% contained.

North of the Silver Valley, the Deceitful fire remains 11% contained.

Burning operations on the Avista corridor and Forest Service Road 620C were completed Wednesday.

Sprinkler systems will be activated as needed to facilitate the reopening of Coeur d’Alene River Road.

Meanwhile, mop up continues within the interior of the Prichard fire, which is 100% contained.

Hot, dry weather expected this week may increase fire activity.