Upper Smith Fire Advances Toward Half Containment
Firefighting teams are intensifying operations on multiple fronts in North Idaho as the region’s wildfire season accelerates. The Upper Smith Fire, burning near Parker Ridge in Bonner County, reached 32 percent containment after consuming 3,417 acres, with crews deploying a coordinated mix of aerial drops, ground crews, and specialized rappelling teams to gain ground.
On Monday, helicopter water drops targeted the fire’s southeastern perimeter to shield homes and agricultural operations in the Kootenai River Valley. Eight rappelers were inserted via helicopter onto Parker Ridge to access terrain inaccessible by traditional means. Ground crews simultaneously laid hose lines along the fire’s eastern flank to suppress hot spots, while Northern Rockies personnel patrolled and mopped up burned areas along the northern containment line and Smith Creek drainage.
Fuel reduction work is underway on the western side of the fire zone. Crews are using chippers to create shaded fuel breaks along Westside Road, a defensive measure designed to slow potential fire spread. On Tuesday, rappel teams were expected to advance eastward along the perimeter and scout ridge locations for future helicopter landing sites.
A total of 181 personnel are assigned to the Upper Smith Fire, including eight rappelers, three helicopters, four hand crews, eight engines, two ambulances, and six water tenders. Fire managers are also assessing containment features near the fire’s western flank to protect timber lands from further advancement.
Smaller Fires Present Different Challenges
The Porcupine Fire, located two miles east of Porcupine Lake in Bonner County’s Porcupine Creek drainage, presented crews with extreme terrain obstacles. At 108 acres burned with zero containment, the fire’s location on steep slopes and rocky cliffs has prevented traditional fireline construction. The terrain presents both a tactical challenge and a reason crews must rely on aerial and rappelling methods similar to those deployed on the Upper Smith Fire.
Progress is accelerating on several larger fires in the tri-state region. The Autumn Lane Fire, spanning Spokane and Stevens counties, had burned roughly 5,764 acres and achieved 89 percent containment. Level 3 evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of the fire area, though all evacuation levels have been lifted on the Autumn Lane, Fairview, and Old Trails fires.
The Fairview Fire in Spokane County has stopped its forward progress at just over 992 acres burned, with 97 percent containment achieved. The Old Trails Fire, also in Spokane County, reached 73 percent containment after burning more than 3,175 acres.
Fire Restrictions Tighten Across Region
Regional fire danger is rated extreme, prompting stepped-up restrictions across Bonner County and surrounding jurisdictions. Stage 2 fire restrictions are now in effect in Bonner and Boundary counties, prohibiting all campfires and open fires. Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles, buildings, or designated recreation areas cleared of flammable materials and at least 3 feet in diameter.
Stage 1 restrictions apply in Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah counties, where campfires and stove use are prohibited except at designated recreation sites, private property, or approved fire structures. Smoking remains limited to enclosed vehicles, buildings, or cleared areas.
“Hoot Owl” restrictions limiting chainsaw and heavy machinery operation from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. are in effect across the region, aimed at reducing ignition risk during peak fire-weather hours.
What Comes Next
Crews will continue aerial and ground operations on the Upper Smith Fire through the remainder of August as containment efforts proceed. Rappel teams are expected to scout additional ridge locations for expanded operations, while fuel-reduction work along Westside Road continues. Weather patterns and air quality will drive day-to-day tactical decisions.
The Porcupine Fire’s containment strategy remains under development given terrain constraints. Residents and property owners in affected areas should monitor evacuation orders and federal and state wildfire updates for operational changes. Fire danger is expected to remain extreme through late August, making compliance with Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions critical for public safety.