Rainfall dampens area wildfires
KELLOGG — The same rainfall that helped firefighters make strides in the battle against area wildfires also caused landslides in some areas, complicating efforts.
The Deceitful fire burning north of the Silver Valley was 40% contained as of Monday afternoon.
The blaze was only 10% contained late Friday. It’s burned more than 12,000 acres so far.
Rain and cooler conditions allowed for direct fire suppression, officials said, as crews worked to strengthen direct and indirect fire lines in the McComber Gulch and Fancy Gulch areas.
Crews also finished the fuel break created to secure the town of Murray.
As conditions improved, residents saw evacuation orders changed or lifted entirely.
Level 2 evacuation orders remain in place for Murray and Eagle.
Residents in these areas should be prepared to evacuate, with supplies gathered and vehicles fueled and ready to go.
Level 1 evacuation orders are in place for the following areas:
- Coal Creek
- Prichard
- Beaver Creek (from Dobson’s Pass to King’s Pass)
Residents in these areas should consider planning or packing in case an evacuation becomes necessary.
The following roads are now open:
- Coeur d’Alene River Road
- Old River Road
- Prichard Creek Road
- Thompson Pass Road
- Beaver Creek Road
King’s Pass Road remains closed. Officials asked the public to be aware of rolling debris in the area.
Temperatures are cooling as drier air moves into the area. Windy conditions remain, with gusts up to 20 mph expected over ridges.
Weekend rain caused landslides near the Tumbledown fire, blocking Highway 50 and making the blaze temporarily inaccessible.
The fire 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.
It’s torched about 10,600 acres so far.
Fire crews gained entry to certain points of the Tumbledown fire around noon Sunday.
Safe passage through the area through the area remains a concern for fire supervisors.
