CCC wildfire rages on
Photos by CHANSE WATSON/ One of the three fire suppression helicopters swoops in and drops water on a small part of the CCC wildfire Wednesday afternoon. Moderate winds have fanned the blaze and kicked up smoke.
Another direct attack on the CCC Wildfire with air assets.
The wildfire has given crews difficulties, as much of it affecting hilly terrain.
A fire suppression aircraft drops water on the CCC wildfire Wednesday afternoon.
CATALDO – Wildland firefighters continue their efforts to suppress and extinguish the forest fire that sprang up in Cataldo Wednesday afternoon.
As of Aug. 7 at 10 p.m., the CCC wildfire (named after CCC Road that it is burning right next to) is affecting 140-200 acres of land and is zero percent contained.
The fire started around noon on the north side of CCC Road, roughly 3 miles northeast of Cataldo. Cause of ignition is unknown at this time.
Flames are currently burning timber and decked logs, creating heavy smoke that is being fanned by moderate wind gusts.
Wildland firefighters from local, state and federal agencies are all on scene fighting the blaze. These ground units are receiving support from multiple air units that include three helicopters and six air tankers dropping water and fire retardant.
No structures are being directly threatened, but a few homeowners in the area have been asked to be on alert for evacuation.
Motorists who can see the fire/smoke from Interstate-90 are being asked to not stop and look, as this can cause an accident.
Closures caused by the fire or suppression efforts include:
•CCC, Wall Ridge and Wall Peak Roads from the junction in Cataldo to Albert’s Landing in Enaville.
•The stretch of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes between the Cataldo Trailhead (mile 42) and the Enaville Trailhead (Mile 47).
The Shoshone News-Press will continue to provide updates on the wildfire as more information becomes available.