Parkway Fire 50% contained
Officials lifted evacuations on Riverview Drive on Sunday, but trucks and equipment present obstacles to civilian traffic.
Photo courtesy of the Idaho Department of Lands
Post Falls Police closed the Post Falls Community Forest to residents Sunday and Q'emiln Park remains closed.
Post Falls Police closed the Post Falls Community Forest to residents Sunday and Q'emiln Park remains closed.
POST FALLS – With the Parkway Fire burning in Q’emiln Park 50% contained as of Sunday night, officials expressed hope to see the 80-acre blaze extinguished soon.
“We had a big, busy, great day,” Idaho Department of Lands Communications Chief Scott Phillips said Sunday. “We’ve really made tremendous progress.”
After two days of heavy air attack, no aircraft were deployed Sunday, but 110 personnel worked on the fire. Overnight rain played a supporting role for firefighters combating the blaze.
“The aggressive use of air attack on Friday and Saturday was crucial for protecting structures and providing our firefighters on the ground the opportunity to build containment,” Parkway Fire incident commander Nate Rogers said in a news release Sunday. “Given the relief provided by the weather, we knew freeing these air resources for deployment elsewhere would have the greatest positive impact for North Idaho.”
Rainfall and sustained efforts on the front lines allowed the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office to lift all evacuation orders and road closures in the area south of the park and west of Spokane Street. No structures have been damaged or lost.
Q’emiln Park remains closed until further notice. Officials advise the public to continue to steer clear of Riverside Drive and Post Falls Community Forest while mop-up continues.
“The Parkway Fire had the potential to turn catastrophic, but didn’t because of the tireless work of our state, federal, and especially our local partners,” Rogers said. “We’re grateful for their help.”
An unattended campfire sparked the blaze, according to the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Officials urge anyone with information about who may have been responsible to contact the Idaho Department of Lands.
