Fire crews make strides against Lions Roar Fire
Water tender and water tanks supplying water to fireline at the Lions Roar Fire, located in the Lion Creek Drainage at Priest Lake, east of Priest Lake State Park's Lionhead Unit.
(Photo courtesy JARED SUNDBERG)
A helicopter scoops a bucket of water on Aug. 8 to help fire the Lions Roar Fire. James Fillmore said crews used a fleet of four AT802 Conair "Fire Boss" planes plus three different types of helicopters, including a Blackhawk. A couple of fire boats cleared pleasure boats out of the flights paths before operations started.
Water tender and water tanks supplying water to fireline
A map shows the location of the Lions Roar Fire, located in the Lion Creek Drainage at Priest Lake, east of Priest Lake State Park's Lionhead Unit.
PRIEST LAKE — Fire crews have been successful in holding the Lions Roar Fire within its approximate 55-acre perimeter, Idaho Department of Lands officials said Friday.
The fire, which was reported Aug. 8, is burning in an active logging job with a timber and logging slash fuel source.
"Progress was made towards connecting handline around the fire and is about 75% complete," IDL officials said Friday in a press release.
In addition, a medium helicopter was used to deliver water to areas of the fire that are experiencing increased fire behavior.
Firefighters are working to complete the handline and reinforce it with pumps and hoses. However, IDL officials noted the National Weather Service is again calling for afternoon and evening thunderstorms with the chances of extreme weather conditions and lightning.
"Fire managers will continue to monitor weather conditions and relocate personnel for safety reasons if necessary," IDL officials said. "Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority for fire and emergency managers."
Severe thunderstorms, which moved into the area Thursday evening, forced firefighters to suspend activities until the storm passed, IDL officials said. However, the storm also meant the fire received precipitation during the overnight hours.
IDL said two minor firefighter injuries occurred Thursday due to the steep and rocky terrain, impacting suppression efforts. Fire managers are continually assessing where to use firefighters to directly engage the fire with the greatest level of success while minimizing the exposure to injury, officials said in the press release.
With increased recreation taking place due to the weekend, the public is reminded to be cautious when on the East Shore Road and respectful of closures in place. Lion Creek Road 42 and Lucky Creek Road 43 are currently closed for fire suppression activities until further notice.
These closures are necessary for public and fire crew safety as roads are narrow and winding and fire vehicles and equipment are oversized.
Cooperating agencies: Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service, Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Bonner County Emergency Management, Idaho State Parks and Recreation.
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