No change in Deceitful fire evacuation orders
KELLOGG — Residents displaced this week by the fast-growing Deceitful fire can’t return to their homes yet.
Burning north of the Silver Valley, the Deceitful fire has torched about 11,400 acres so far. It was 10% contained as of late Wednesday.
Level 3 evacuation orders remain in place for Eagle, Murray, Beaver Creek (from Babin’s Junction to the top of Dobson’s Pass) and Coeur d’Alene River Road from Hopkin’s Creek to Lutherhaven.
Residents should not return to their homes.
In coordination with the Wallace School District, county officials arranged for displaced residents to stay at Silver Hills Elementary in Osburn.
Displaced residents who need overnight parking can use the Silver Hills parking lot or Sather Field parking lot in Silverton.
Power is out in all evacuated areas. At the request of fire managers, Avista Utilities powered down lines in the area and will turn them back on when it’s safe to do so.
As of press time, areas under Level 2 evacuation status include:
- The Coal Creek Community from the Coeur d’Alene River Road mile marker 13 (east of Castle Rock) to mile marker 18
This means residents should be prepared to evacuate, with supplies gathered and vehicles fueled and ready to go.
Areas under Level 1 evacuation status include:
- North of Highway 90 (includes Old River Road), Kingston to Steamboat at Coeur d’Alene River Road, mile marker 13 near Castle Rock
- North Smelterville
- North Kellogg
- Montgomery-Moon
- Silverton
- Canyon Creek - Burke Road
Residents in these areas should consider planning or packing in case an evacuation becomes necessary.
Tuesday’s rain helped decrease fire behavior, officials said, while operations focused on cooling hotspots within the fire’s interior.
Structure protection and restoring power are top priorities for fire crews this week. The blaze reportedly threatens 160 structures.
No residences were lost as of press time, though flames have destroyed several secondary structures and outbuildings.
Officials said preparatory measures, including fuel reduction and placing sprinklers, helped prevent the loss of homes.