Upper Smith Fire Expands as Ground and Air Resources Combat Lightning-Sparked Blazes
Firefighting crews across northern Idaho and eastern Washington are managing multiple active wildfires as extreme fire danger grips the region, with the largest blaze in Bonner County now spanning more than 3,400 acres.
The Upper Smith Fire, sparked by lightning on July 8 in northern Boundary County, has grown to 3,417 acres as of Monday afternoon, with 170 personnel assigned to suppression efforts. The fire is currently 32 percent contained, though officials noted that containment percentages fluctuate as conditions change and aerial mapping refines size estimates.
Crews discovered an interior flare-up on the Upper Smith Fire early Sunday morning and have since focused on securing fire lines and mopping up hot spots. Personnel rappelled into the Parker Ridge area to access difficult terrain and reinforce containment efforts. The operation includes three helicopters, three hand crews, eight engines, and six water tenders mobilized to check the fire’s expansion.
“Containment is a dynamic measurement that may increase or decrease as fire behavior and conditions change,” Northern Rockies officials told the Bonner County Daily Bee. “The footprint of the fire has grown, reducing the percentage; however, existing lines are holding.”
Temporary flight restrictions remain in effect across the fire’s airspace to prevent interference with suppression aircraft, prohibiting both manned aircraft and drones from entering the zone.
Additional Fires Strain Regional Resources
Three other significant fires are burning across the region. The Porcupine Fire, located 2 miles east of Porcupine Lake in Bonner County’s Porcupine Creek drainage, has burned 108 acres. The lightning-sparked fire’s growth has trended eastward toward Bee Top Mountain, though firefighters have been unable to anchor the base of the blaze due to cliff terrain limiting ground access.
The Autumn Lane Fire in Spokane and Stevens counties has burned roughly 5,782 acres and is 73 percent contained, with Level 3 evacuations in place for portions of the affected area. The Fairview Fire in Spokane County has burned just over 992 acres and is 53 percent contained, with forward progress halted. The Old Trails Fire in Spokane County has burned more than 3,175 acres and is also 53 percent contained.
Fire Restrictions and Hoot Owl Limits Tighten
Extreme fire danger ratings are driving a tiered response across multiple counties. Stage 2 fire restrictions are now in effect in Bonner and Boundary counties, with Stage 1 restrictions active in Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah counties.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, Hoot Owl limitations prohibit the operation of chain saws and other machinery between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m., and designated recreation fire areas are limited to three-foot minimum diameter. These restrictions reflect the critical fire conditions facing the region and are designed to reduce the risk of human-caused ignitions during peak fire weather periods.
Residents and property owners across North Idaho and neighboring counties should remain alert to fire danger advisories and comply with all local restrictions. The combination of extreme heat, low humidity, and dry vegetation continues to elevate wildfire risk across the Panhandle and into eastern Washington.
What Comes Next
Firefighting agencies will continue monitoring weather patterns and fire behavior as crews work toward full containment of all active blazes. Northern Rockies Incident Management Team officials expect containment percentages to shift as accurate mapping refines fire footprints and suppression efforts progress. Residents should monitor local fire authority websites and evacuation alerts for real-time updates on active fires and any changes to evacuation levels or restrictions.