Character Complex Wildfire update for Aug. 4

Highlights: An infrared flight was completed last night, providing an updated acreage at 7,515 for the Complex. Weather is predicted to bring chance of thunderstorms over the fire area today, potentially creating unstable fire behavior activity. Firefighters are positioned and ready to respond as needed. Fire crews continue to establish and test sprinklers, especially near structures and are using several tactics; including creating additional handline and hoselays, chipping, and masticating. The structure group continues to monitor the structures threatened in the vicinity of the Deceitful Fire.

Deceitful Fire: 6,174 Acres | 0% Contained Over the next several days, expect to see increased fire activity in the Cinnabar Creek drainage. In anticipation, fire crews completed the powerline preparation project, which involved establishing sprinkler systems, wrapping power poles, and mastication work. This is an important milestone, especially given that bucket work is not possible over powerlines. A masticator and feller buncher continue to maintain and improve firefighter access along Road 933. Aircraft could not fly yesterday due to smoke, but clearer skies are expected today, hopefully enabling more air reconnaissance.

Prichard Fire: 1,342 Acres | 75% Contained Fire personnel continue to masticate the southwestern edge of the fire, strengthening that containment line. Firefighters are patrolling the fire perimeter, conducting mop-up as needed.

Weather and Smoke: Above average temperatures are expected today, with highs in the low to mid 90s. Relative humidity will be significantly lower than yesterday, and there is a 30% chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. Showers or thunderstorms may continue through Friday. Westerly, mild winds are anticipated. Lower temperatures, higher humidity, and stronger winds are expected Friday through Sunday. Smoke may improve after 12 p.m. 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 Sherriff’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/CharacterComplex.

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.

Silver Valley residents and recreators are asked to drive slowly, turn on your lights, and be aware of fire traffic in Pinehurst and near the old Kellogg Middle School. Avoid closures. No flying or drones over the fire area; Temporary Flight Restriction in place. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for all of northern Idaho.