Stateline Complex Wildfire update for Aug. 2

The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the Stateline Complex as of Aug. 2 at 0600/MT. Daily updates and pertinent information will continue to be available on the Stateline Complex Inciweb page and the Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook.

Fire Update: After the extreme fire behavior that occurred on Saturday, an infrared flight was unable to occur Sunday night to accurately assess the substantial fire growth. However, the change in weather conditions are allowing crews to assess the affected northwest area north of Highway 50 on Monday and where conditions allow, direct fire suppression activities will occur. Crews will also continue prep work on the north perimeter toward the east on highway 50. Firefighters will also be scouting to the southeast looking for opportunities to tie in and complete line to provide additional protection for the town of Avery.

Weather: Overnight, fire activity across the Stateline Complex began to moderate due to wetting rain and high overnight relative humidity. Today through tomorrow, moderated fire activity is expected, however, fire will continue to spread in the heavy dead and down fuels. Today there will be a slight chance of additional rain and thunderstorms; however, the after will bring drier conditions.

On the Dolly Creek Fire, yesterday’s weather allowed for optimal conditions for crews to go direct on the northeast perimeter of the fire and firefighters will be looking for additional opportunities to construct and secure line.

As of Saturday, July 31, the Stateline Complex includes the following fires: Berge Peak — contained, Broadaxe — contained, Deception — 203 acres; Dolly Creek — 825 acres Fly 3 Fire — 137 acres; Fly Creek — 52 acres; Simmons Ridge — 138 acres; Simmons Ridge 2 — 384 acres; Simmons Leg — 91 acres; Swimming Bear — 36 acres; Tumbledown — 3,844 acres; Wampus Creek — 6.2 acres.