Charcter Complex Wildfire update for July 30

Size: 6,383 acres

Personnel: 277

Structures Lost: 0

Deceitful Fire (5,045 acres, 0% contained): Hot temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels are leading to increased fire activity with potential for large fire growth today and tomorrow. Firefighters will continue to secure, hold, and burnout as fire progression dictates along the White Peak Ridge trail. Crews will work to hold and secure the line from previous burnout operations on Character Ridge. Helicopters are supporting operations with water drops and air tankers are laying retardant to help reduce potential of southern downhill spread.

On the north side, the fire continues to burn towards the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River corridor between Graham Creek and Cedar Creek. Sprinkler systems are installed beneath the Avista powerline and will be turned on in the areas of approaching fire. 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. Crews established an additional helicopter dip site on the south side of I-90 near Moon Gulch where helicopters will get water.

Prichard Fire (1,338 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: The hottest and driest conditions since the fire started are expected today and Saturday. Combined with relative humidity in the mid to low teens and northerly and northeasterly winds, there is potential for significant fire growth. Cooler and wetter conditions are expected to return on Sunday.

Evacuations and Fire Closures: The North Fork Coeur d’Alene River Road and the Old River Road from Steamboat Ponds to Babin’s Junction 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, residents within the Beaver Creek – Dobson Pass and Coal Creek – Prichard population protection zones remain in evacuation “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.