Character Complex Wildfire update for Aug. 3

Size: 7,260 acres

Containment: 30%

Firefighter injuries: 10

Structures threatened: 160

Structures damaged/lost: 0

Highlights: The Pritchard Fire remains within containment lines. The Deceitful Fire has continued to spread in recent days; however, the estimated acres has not change due to unavailability of infrared flight information.

Deceitful Fire: Along the Avista powerline, crews extended the sprinkler system eastward. Firefighters conducted hand ignition operations yesterday near Cinnabar Creek. In the southwest portion of the fire, fire personnel strengthened control lines. Structure prep crews will continue to patrol the area. They are conducting fuel mitigation work, continuing to test pumps, and wetting down vegetation with sprinklers. Firefighters are also using masticators and feller bunchers to reduce fuels, especially near structures. These crews are available for initial attack if needed.

Pritchard Fire: Firefighters continue to patrol this area, mopping up areas that have burned and checking for hot spots. Detected spots have been well within the fireline. The sprinkler system on the east side remains in place.

Weather and Smoke: Yesterday the relative humidity was above 80 percent through the afternoon. Hotter, drier weather will be in place Tuesday and Wednesday and temperatures will be ten degrees above normal, predicting an increase in fire behavior over the next several days. An inversion will remain in place from mid-morning to early afternoon creating smoky conditions for the forecast area during the morning hours and into early afternoon. As the inversion breaks, expect conditions to improve slightly with heavier smoke returning late evening through the night. For more information on smoke conditions, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Evacuations and Closures: The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office has issued several evacuation orders and road closures in the area. Information on county issued closures and evacuations can be obtained by calling the Shoshone County Sheriff’s office at (208) 556-1114. National Forest closures on USFS Idaho Panhandle National Forests Closures can be found on the Character Complex’s Closure Inciweb page: https://bit.ly/3CeiJPO.

Primary and Cooperating Agencies: USDA USFS, Idaho Department of Lands, Shoshone County, Shoshone County Sheriff, Prichard/Murray Volunteer Fire Department, Stimson Lumber, Molpus Woodlands Group, Avista Utilities, and Bonneville Power Administration.