Prichard fire 50% contained

KELLOGG — As crews prepare to mop up the Prichard fire, they’ve identified opportunities for a direct attack on the neighboring Deceitful fire.

The two conflagrations make up the Character Complex, which has burned almost 4,500 acres north of the Silver Valley so far.

The Prichard fire is 50% contained as of late Friday.

Officials said firefighters will soon transition into the monitoring and mopping up stages. The fire has burned about 1,200 acres.

Meanwhile, the Deceitful fire remains 0% contained. It’s burned about 3,200 acres.

Indirect lines are largely complete on the western and southern sides of the fire. Crews are strengthening indirect lines between Moon Saddle and Beaver Creek.

An indirect line is a fire line place a distance away from the edge of a blaze, with the goal of removing or reducing flammable materials that allow a fire to intensify or spread.

Helicopters are again available to support ground crews as they identify opportunities for direct attack.

The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office has placed residents within the Coal Creek - Prichard Zone in Level 2 evacuation status.

Residents are encouraged to move trailers and recreational vehicles out of the area.

That means residents should be prepared to evacuate, with supplies gathered and vehicles fueled and ready to go.

Residents on Eagle Creek Road and West Fork Eagle Creek Road also remain in Level 2 status.

SIDEBAR: Wildland firefighters need supplies

As firefighters battle blazes throughout North Idaho, some needed items are in short supply — and the Idaho Department of Lands has developed a website to make it easier for the public to help.

Fire crews need pallet-quantities of water and sports drinks with electrolytes.

They also need the use of refrigerator trucks or trailers to pick up ice in the Coeur d’Alene area and deliver it to fire camps.

To donate, fill out an online form at www.idl.idaho.gov/donate or call 208-334-0294.

Donations should be delivered to Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache at 3328 W. Industrial Loop in Coeur d’Alene.

The cache is equipped to accept donations and get supplies directly to wildfire crews.