Character Complex Wildfire update for Aug. 5

Highlights: While the fire area itself is not in a Red Flag Warning, much of the surrounding area is. If thunderstorms occur, winds could reach 45 mph, which could cause fire behavior changes. Firefighters are briefed and structure prep equipment are all placed accordingly, ready to respond as needed.

Deceitful Fire: 6,174 Acres | 0% Contained. Heavy equipment and engines are positioned to assist with initial attack if necessary. Crews continue to monitor the Graham Creek area. They have worked on new smokes, well within the interior. The crews were assisted by helicopter bucket work. Fire personnel continue to improve conditions along roads to expedite access to the fireline, using a combination of chipping and feller-buncher work. Chainsaw Felling Modules are snagging along roadsides within the fire perimeter to clear a safe path for travel.

Prichard Fire: 1,342 Acres | 75% Contained. The interior of the fire produced more smoke yesterday, indicating that previously unburned fuels were igniting; air operations quickly responded with bucket work. Firefighters will continue to patrol this area, testing structure prep equipment throughout the day.

Smoke: An inversion will remain in place from mid-Thursday morning until around noon Friday, creating smoky conditions for the forecast area during the morning and into early afternoon. As inversion breaks, expect conditions to improve. Gusty erratic winds associated with thunderstorms could increase smoke as fire activity increases.

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.