A small wildfire burned through dry grass and timber east of Medical Lake on Sunday, August 16, but firefighters achieved full containment in less than two hours.
The Salnave/Clear Lake fire ignited near State Route 902 and south of South Simpson Loop in Spokane County. Responding crews from Spokane County Fire District 3 arrived on scene at 1:05 p.m. and reported the blaze moving slowly toward the south-southeast. The fire consumed approximately 1 acre and threatened nearby structures and vehicles before crews brought it under complete control by 3:20 p.m.
The rapid containment reflects ongoing readiness among regional fire agencies as the North Idaho wildfire season continues. Conditions across the Panhandle remain favorable for fire growth, with multiple lightning-caused incidents stretching firefighter resources throughout Bonner County and surrounding areas.