Rapid Spread Halted as Interagency Teams Take Control
Firefighting crews have gained significant ground on the Turner Fire burning south of Copeland in Boundary County, reaching 43% containment as of July 18, 2026, though evacuation orders remain in place for roughly 100 homes across the region.
The fire, which spread rapidly due to high winds approximately two days before mid-July, has consumed 593 acres of slash, timber, grass, and brush. The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of suppression efforts and expects to manage the fire for the next two weeks.
Mark Goeller, deputy incident commander, credited the rapid initial response from local and federal resources. “We’re very, very thankful for the work that went into both (the Turner and Smith fires) by the local fire department resources, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Wildland Fire Service and the Idaho Department of Lands, they’ve set us up for success,” Goeller said.
Crews made measurable progress Thursday and Friday, constructing handlines along the fire’s eastern edge while engine crews deployed wet lines along the western perimeter. The effort has enlisted substantial resources: 170 fire crews, three bulldozers, five helicopters, and numerous engines are assigned to the Turner Fire. An Interagency Hotshot Crew and multiple Type 2 hand crews arrived late Thursday to reinforce containment lines.
Two task forces of engines from the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association have been positioned to protect structures, particularly along Fleming Creek and Ginger Roads. Scooper planes and additional helicopters have supplemented ground crews’ suppression efforts.
Evacuations to Continue Through Weekend
Boundary County Sheriff Travis Stolley indicated that evacuation levels would remain in place through the night of July 18. Despite rapid crew progress, he noted that conditions have not improved enough to downgrade evacuation orders. “Firefighting crews continue to make good progress but not enough progress to change the evacuation orders,” Stolley said.
A meeting is scheduled for Saturday morning with the potential for an evacuation notice update, meaning residents could receive clearer guidance on when they may return home or what changes may affect evacuation zones.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
Temporary flight restrictions are in effect over the Turner Fire area to protect aerial operations and personnel.
Upper Smith Fire Remains at Zero Containment
The Northern Rockies CIMT 1 team also assumed command of the Upper Smith Fire, located 6 miles west of Porthill, which has expanded at a slower rate despite the same challenging wind conditions.
The Upper Smith Fire grew to 148 acres Thursday and remains at 0% containment. A total of 161 personnel are assigned to that fire, supported by three bulldozers, two helicopters, seven engines, and five hand crews. Smith Creek Road and Long Canyon Trail have been closed to public travel as a precaution.
Related coverage: Lightning-Sparked Fire in Boundary County Grows to 567 Acres; Crews Shift to Full Suppression Effort and Fast-Moving Fire North of Bonners Ferry Triggers Evacuations in Turner Hill Area.
What Comes Next
Saturday morning’s evacuation update meeting will provide Boundary County residents and officials with a clearer picture of fire progression and potential evacuation zone adjustments. The Northern Rockies CIMT 1 team expects to maintain active suppression operations on both fires through early August. Wind conditions, weather forecasts, and containment progress will determine evacuation timeline adjustments in the coming days.