Upper Smith Fire Grows Amid Aggressive Response
A wildfire ignited by lightning in the remote Smith Creek drainage has consumed more than 414 acres of timber and brush in the mountains northwest of Bonners Ferry, prompting a coordinated response involving dozens of personnel and aerial support.
The Upper Smith Fire started overnight Wednesday, July 7, in terrain roughly 3.5 miles up the Smith Creek drainage, approximately 6 miles west of Porthill and about 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry in Boundary County. The fire is burning on a north-facing slope covered with large logs, dead and downed timber, and dense forest canopy—conditions that have allowed the blaze to spread and complicate firefighting efforts.
Aerial and Ground Response Mobilized
By Friday, helicopters were making water drops on the fire while large air tankers deployed retardant to slow its advance. The Idaho Panhandle Interagency Hotshot crew was inserted into the area, joined by additional hand crews to contain the perimeter.
A Type 3 incident management team assumed command of the operation Saturday morning, bringing the total personnel assigned to the fire to roughly 73 people. Two Type 2 hand crews, each with 20 firefighters, have been deployed alongside heavy equipment and continued aviation support. Division personnel were also mobilized Saturday to assess structures in the surrounding area that could be at risk if the fire spreads.
Temporary flight restrictions have been placed over the fire zone to ensure safe operations for manned aircraft fighting the blaze. Officials stressed that the restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems. “Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems [drones], so if you fly, we can’t,” Forest Service personnel stated in a public notice.
Weather and Road Impacts
Sunny, warm, and dry conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, creating challenges for firefighters. Elevated fire weather is forecast for late Saturday into early Sunday, which could increase fire activity and spread potential.
The public has been asked to avoid the Smith Creek drainage entirely to allow firefighting equipment and personnel unrestricted movement and safe working conditions. Officials stated: “The public is strongly encouraged to avoid the Smith Creek drainage to allow firefighting equipment and personnel to travel and operate safely.”
Unrelated county road closures are also in effect in the area—Westside and Kerr Lake roads are closed for bridge work, and Riverside Street in Bonners Ferry remains closed.
What Comes Next
Firefighting efforts will continue as conditions permit. Residents in and around Bonners Ferry should monitor official updates from the U.S. Forest Service and local authorities. Those interested in tracking active wildfires across North Idaho can access multiple apps and resources available to monitor fire activity this season.