Diamond Watch Fire exceeds initial attack

Since it was started by lightning in mid-July, the Diamond Watch Fire has exceeded the initial attack, U.S. Forest Service officials said in a press release Friday. The fire, now estimated at 120 acres, is being fought by 24 personnel. Located 5.5 miles due west of Nordman, the fire was reported July 14 and is listed at 0% containment. Burning on a ridge to the east of Diamond Peak in Pend Oreille County, smoke from the fire can be seen from the Priest Lake area. The fire is burning in "timber litter" with jackpots of heavier fuels in a dense forest canopy.