Progress on Northwestern Blaze as Turner Fire Reaches Full Control
Firefighting crews have achieved containment on 15 percent of the Upper Smith Fire burning northwest of Bonners Ferry, marking steady progress after the blaze ignited by lightning on July 8. The fire has consumed 1,061 acres across steep terrain roughly 6 miles west of Porthill and 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry.
The containment milestone reflects concentrated effort along the southwestern corner of the fire perimeter, where hand crews, falling units, and equipment operators have been preparing defensive lines along Boundary Creek. Operations section chief Andy James noted the labor intensity required: “It’s taken us roughly 10 days to get this little portion completed and checked in and held…But once again, a lot of good work that’s been done here on this piece.”
The Upper Smith Fire grew approximately 30 acres over the previous 24-hour period. Crews anticipate the fire will back toward Smith Creek while advancing eastward toward both Smith Creek and Westside Road corridors. To counter this expected spread, firefighters have constructed indirect defense lines along the north slope toward Parker Creek, with eastern lines already positioned and ready to hold advancing flames.
Tactical Firing and Structure Defense Underway
Strategic aerial firing operations are underway to reduce uneven fire “fingers” and shape the fire’s behavior across the landscape. Smith Creek remains a priority concern as the fire moves downhill through drainage terrain, prompting continued strategic firing operations as weather and fire behavior conditions permit.
A structure protection unit has been assigned to assess homes and property near the fire’s path, conducting mitigation work to reduce vulnerability. Currently, 456 personnel, 3 helicopters, and 13 hand crews are assigned to the Upper Smith Fire response.
Meanwhile, the Turner Fire—which broke out on the evening of July 15—has achieved 100 percent containment after burning 681 acres. The Turner Fire forced evacuation of 100 homes and placed another 150 homes on alert status for potential evacuation. The fire transitioned to local control by the Wildland Fire Service and Idaho Department of Lands by the end of Friday operations.
Aerial operations chief Andy James emphasized the importance of measured decision-making in fire management. “We want to be patient. We want to make sure that all the conditions are right,” he said, underscoring the technical precision required for firing operations in variable mountain conditions.
Road Closures and Flight Restrictions in Effect
Smith Creek Road and Long Canyon Trail remain closed to public travel due to active fire operations and safety concerns. Temporary flight restrictions have been imposed over both fire areas, including restrictions on personal aircraft and drones. The restrictions are necessary to protect firefighting helicopter operations and personnel safety.
Copeland and Porthill boat launches remain open to public use.
What Comes Next: Crews will continue constructing and reinforcing indirect defense lines as weather permits, with particular focus on the Smith Creek drainage and eastward fire movement. Additional strategic firing operations are planned to manage fire behavior and reduce structural fingers. Containment progress on the Upper Smith Fire is expected to accelerate as crews complete defensive infrastructure, though the terrain and fire behavior will dictate operational pace. The Turner Fire’s transition to local control by state agencies marks a significant reduction in regional firefighting resource demand. Evacuation status for Turner Fire-affected homes may be updated as conditions stabilize.