Character Complex Wildfire Update as of July 27

Character Complex: 5,174 acres

Personnel: 275

Structures Lost: 0

Deceitful Fire (3,845 acres, 0% contained): An inversion and low relative humidity recovery led to an increase in fire activity on the Deceitful Fire. Late in the afternoon on Sunday and throughout Monday, the fire continued to actively back downhill to the north, towards the Avista and Bonneville Power Administration power line corridors and the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River Road. Along the southern perimeter, the fire also spread eastward across the upper end of the Cedar Creek drainage. After discussion with fire managers, Shoshone County Sheriff Mike Gunderson announced he would be closing both the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River Road and the Old River Road (beginning Monday evening at 6:00 p.m.) to all traffic except for local residents and egress, in anticipation that the fire could begin impacting the primary “River Road” with rolling debris. Additionally, due to the potential fire behavior and expected weather conditions, Sheriff Gunderson also announced that the Beaver Creek – Dobson Pass population protection zone is now in “Set” or Level 2 evacuation status. Firefighters are continuing to improve indirect lines west and south of the fire; build and strengthen direct fire lines in the East Fork of Graham Creek; work on containment lines between the upper end of Cedar Creek and Moon Saddle; and provide structure protection and monitoring along the fire’s northern perimeter. Crews are also continuing construction of a secondary contingency line on the ridge just north of White Creek.

Prichard Fire (1,329 acres, 75% contained): Firefighters continue to secure the edge of the fire perimeter and patrol the area for potential spot fires. The unburned fuel within the fire’s perimeter continues to dry and cure, so fire crews are monitoring for any new activity. Although containment lines around the Prichard Fire are quite secure, previously unburned fuels in the fire’s interior do have the potential to torch and produce embers or spot fires outside the control lines.

Weather and Fuel Conditions: Meteorologists predict continued hot and dry conditions for several days, with temperatures in the mid-90s possible, relative humidity below 25%, and a chance of thunderstorms through Thursday. These weather conditions combined with continued exceptionally dry fuels equate to extremely flammable fuels, the potential for new fire starts, and significant fire growth where winds align with exposed terrain.

Evacuations and Fire Closures: Eagle Creek and West Fork Eagle Creek residents remain in “Ready” status. Residents within the Coal Creek – Prichard Zone (from approximately mile marker 12 to mile marker 22) and the Beaver Creek – Dobson Zone are currently in “Set” status. All area residents should remain alert for changing conditions and potential fire growth. Fire managers and the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office have prepared a population protection plan for the fire area. For more evacuation information, contact the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office and refer to the InciWeb page for details.

Road, trail, and area closures are in effect around the fire areas. Closure orders and maps are posted on InciWeb and the USFS Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook page. The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office has closed the following roads to non-residents: North Fork Coeur d’Alene River Road and Old River Road (from approximately Steamboat Pond to Babin’s Junction;), Eagle Creek Road, Montgomery Ridge Road, and Bobtail Road at Prichard Creek.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for Shoshone County and all of northern Idaho.

Special Messages: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinity. If you fly, we can’t.

For public and firefighter safety, please drive with caution and avoid fire areas, if possible. Recreationists are urged to stay out of the evacuation zones.

Primary and Cooperating Agencies: USFS, IDL, Shoshone County, Shoshone County Sheriff, Prichard/Murray VFD, Stimson Lumber, Molpus Woodlands Group, Avista Utilities, and Bonneville Power Administration.