Deceitful fire approaches power line corridor

KELLOGG — Firefighters are preparing as the Deceitful Fire spreads toward the Avista power line corridor.

The fire, which had burned about 4,400 acres north of the Silver Valley as of Thursday, is expected to reach the corridor this week.

The Deceitful Fire remains 0% contained.

A rappel crew is installing sprinkler systems beneath power lines, which will be turned on as the fire approaches. Crews have already wrapped wooden power poles in protective materials.

Officials said fire crews are staged along the river, in the Beaver Creek drainage and in Moon and Montgomery gulches to provide structure protection.

Burnout operations are underway along the ridge west of Moon Saddle.

A burnout operation removes the unburned fuel between a containment line and the fire edge. This allows better control over the intensity of a fire.

Officials said the blackened area will deprive the Deceitful Fire of fuel as it spreads to the south.

Helicopters are providing bucket support while air tankers make retardant drops to help slow the fire’s spread.

Road closures will go into effect next week as the fire continues to spread.

Beginning Monday at 6 p.m., North Fork Coeur d’Alene River Road and Old River Road will be closed to all traffic except for local residents and egress.

Meanwhile, the neighboring Prichard Fire is 75% contained as of Thursday.

Though containment lines around the fire are secure, officials said unburned fuels in the interior have the potential to produce spot fires.