Character Complex Wildfire update for July 29

Size: 5,776 acres

Personnel: 277

Structures Lost: 0

Deceitful Fire (4,439 acres, 0% contained): Hot temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels are leading to increased fire activity. Firefighters are still conducting burnout operations on the south end of the fire along the ridge eastward towards Moon Saddle at the head of Cedar Creek. Crews are receiving bucket support from helicopters, and air tankers are making retardant drops to help check southern downhill spread from White Peak on the southern perimeter. On the north side, the fire continues to burn towards the river corridor between Graham Creek and Cedar Creek. A rappel crew was inserted along the Avista powerline above the river to install sprinkler systems beneath the lines and those will be turned on as the fire approaches. Fire crews are staged along the river, in the Beaver Creek drainage, and in Moon and Montgomery gulches to provide structure protection and initial attack as needed. Today they will assist in setting up a dip site for the helicopters on the south side of I-90 near Moon Gulch.

Prichard Fire (1,337 acres, 75% contained): Firefighters continue to secure the edges of the fire and patrol 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: Hot and dry conditions with sunny skies is expected over the next few days and relative humidity will drop back into the teens. The exceptionally dry fuels and persistent heat create the potential for significant fire growth.

Evacuations and Fire Closures: Both the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River Road and the Old River Road are closed to all traffic except for residents and egress, in anticipation that the fire could begin impacting the primary River Road with rolling debris. Also, due to the potential fire behavior and expected weather conditions, Sheriff Gunderson announced that the Beaver Creek – Dobson Pass population protection zone is now in “Set” or Level 2 evacuation status. Residents within the Coal Creek – Prichard Zone remain in “Set” status. Eagle Creek and West Fork Eagle Creek Zone remain in “Ready” status. All area residents surrounding the fire should remain alert for changing conditions and potential fire growth. 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.