Wildfire season begins on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests

NORDMAN- The Priest Lake Ranger District has two small wildfires. Firefighters are actively suppressing a one-acre fire (Cedar Creek Fire), believed to be caused by lightning, that is burning in the Cedar Creek drainage. Approximately five miles west of the of Cedar Creek Fire, the North Fork Hughes Fire, located north of Hughes Meadows in the upper Hughes Creek drainage is approximately 15 acres and is highly visible from the Priest Lake recreation area. This fire, believed to be caused by lighting, was located by firefighters on July 4. Smokejumpers were sent to suppress the fire, but after three days, due to safety concerns, they disengaged.

Steep, rugged terrain is challenging; presenting multiple safety concerns for firefighters on the North Fork Hughes Fire. The fire is burning in a remote location within the Salmo Priest Wilderness where access is very limited. The fire is burning in very large trees on a steep slope. The fire is creeping and burning downslope. As it burns, trees are falling posing significant hazards to firefighters. One of the challenges with this fire is that because of the heavy dense timber, retardant and water would not be effective as the fire is currently burning inside of cedars trees.

Fire managers are considering several variables and evaluating the fire from both air and ground. It has been determined that firefighters cannot safely engage the fire due to remoteness, rugged terrain, heavy fuels, snags, lack of helicopter landing spots, escape routes and safety zones. As fire managers develop a strategic action plan to manage this fire, Chandra Neils, Acting Priest Lake District Ranger, stated, “The plan will give the highest priority to firefighter and public safety, with safe, efficient, and mindful management decisions.” Information on the North Fork Hughes Fire will be updated as needed. To subscribe to these updates, please go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ and select “North Fork Hughes Fire” from the dropdown. For additional information on these fires, please contact Kary Maddox at 208-443-6835.