Wildfire near Athol prompts closures in parts of Idaho Panhandle National Forest

ATHOL, Idaho — Parts of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest are closed on Sunday afternoon due to the large wildfire burning near Athol, according to Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 1 p.m. on August 17, BCSO announced the U.S. Forest Service has closed part of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Sandpoint Ranger District to the public as firefighters continue to battle the Sunset Fire burning northeast of Athol.

According to Idaho Department of Lands, the wildfire is burning at roughly 2,780 acres.

Level 3 (GO NOW), Level 2 (GET SET) and Level 1 (GET READY) evacuations are in place. Click here for the most up-to-date evacuation orders.

As of Sunday afternoon, USFS said it is prohibited to enter the following parts of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest:

All National Forest Lands along the western shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille, from Camp Bay in T56N R1WS19 south to Three Sisters Horizontal Control Station within T54N R2WS11.The closure extends west to Three Sisters Creek in T54N R2W S9, then proceeds north to just south of National Forest Service Road 230 in T55N R2W S16. It then follows a stepped northeast path to Hickman Creek in T55N R2W S1, T55N R1W S6, T56N R2W S36, T56N R1W S31 and then heads north to Sagle Road in T56N R2W S13, 24, T56N R1W S18, 19. From Sagle Road, the boundary extends east back to Camp Bay.

USFS said the closure is to keep both the public and fire crews safe from the Sunset Fire.

The closure is in place for anyone except private landowners in the area, certain USFS officials and official organized fire and rescue crews.

The order is in effect until lifted.

Violating the order and entering the closed area without authorization could result in a $5,000 fine for individuals and a $10,000 fine for organizations.

For more information, contact Sandpoint Ranger Distrcit at 208-263-5111 or Idaho Panhandle National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 208-765-7223.