Progress on Major Wildfire Near Bonners Ferry
Firefighters have advanced containment efforts on the Upper Smith Fire to 45 percent as command responsibility shifted to Northern Rockies Team 9, according to the latest operational update. The transition marks a new phase in the month-long campaign to suppress the fire burning west of Bonners Ferry in Bonner County.
Current operations focus on mop-up activities and systematic patrols along established control lines. Firefighting crews have been working the perimeter near Long Canyon Creek and Smith Creek, while aerial crews deployed water drops to cool active portions of the fire’s edge. The primary strategic goal remains containment west of West Side Road and south of Smith Creek.
The Upper Smith Fire operation maintains a substantial personnel commitment, with 197 firefighters assigned to the incident. Supporting resources include six helicopters, four hand crews, two engines, and seven water tenders. Temporary flight restrictions remain in effect in the airspace above the fire to ensure safe operations for suppression aircraft.
Road and Trail Closures in Effect
Public access restrictions continue across the affected area. Smith Creek Road and Long Canyon Trail remain closed to all public travel. Parker Ridge Trail is in the process of being closed to visitors, further limiting recreational access to the region during suppression operations.
The broader fire environment across North Idaho reflects elevated danger conditions. Fire danger is rated as extreme throughout the region. Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect in both Bonner and Boundary counties, while Stage 1 restrictions apply in Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah counties. “Hoot Owl” restrictions, which prohibit outdoor burning during peak fire danger hours, are enforced from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
Porcupine Fire Burns 75 Acres
A separate wildfire, the Porcupine Fire, continues to burn in the Porcupine Creek drainage approximately two miles east of Porcupine Lake. The fire has consumed 75 acres, with growth primarily directed toward the east toward Beetop Mountain. This fire remains part of the active suppression environment across Bonner County during what has been an intense fire season.
The shift of Upper Smith Fire command to Northern Rockies Team 9 reflects established incident management protocols when fires transition from initial-attack phases to extended operations. The team’s assumption of command allows for sustained, coordinated resource deployment and strategic planning over the prolonged containment period.
Firefighters and support personnel continue working to secure control lines and prevent further fire spread. The combination of ground crews, aerial support, and strategic water applications represents a coordinated approach to managing the fire while the region experiences extreme fire danger conditions.
What Comes Next
Northern Rockies Team 9 will continue mop-up and patrol operations along control lines as conditions permit. Weather monitoring remains critical, as shifts in wind or temperature could affect fire behavior and containment progress. Fire restrictions will remain in place for Bonner and Boundary counties as long as extreme fire danger persists. Residents and visitors are advised to comply with all closure notices and fire restriction orders. More information is available through the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office and local fire management agencies.