BOUNDARY COUNTY, Idaho — A lightning-caused wildfire burning north of Sandpoint has grown to 1,766 acres, prompting firefighting officials to shift from initial attack to strategic containment.
The Silver Fire, which ignited on August 23 on Silver Dollar Peak, has exceeded initial attack capacity. The U.S. Forest Service – Idaho Panhandle National Forests activated a Type 3 incident management team led by Incident Commander Ken Homik. With zero percent containment and 50 personnel assigned, officials are focusing suppression efforts only where success is probable and firefighter safety can be assured.
“Fire behavior continues to be active, with growth influenced by spotting and challenging terrain,” according to the U.S. Forest Service. “With firefighter safety as the top priority, suppression actions are being focused only where the probability of success is high and risk to personnel can be mitigated.”
The fire threatens the Myrtle Creek Watershed, recreation infrastructure, private lands, timber resources, and nearby communities.
Weather and Road Closures
Cooler conditions and higher humidity are expected Friday through the weekend, with temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees and a chance of showers and thunderstorms that could help slow fire growth.
An emergency barricade is in place on the Upper Pack River Road (FSR#231) at its intersection with FSR#293. The U.S. Forest Service is urging visitors to avoid these areas and drive cautiously, yielding to fire personnel engaged in suppression operations.
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