PRIEST LAKE - Dangerous conditions forced firefighter crews to disengage from the Granite Fire 6 miles northeast of Nordman on Sunday.

The lack of suppression due to high winds, falling snags, steep terrain and rapid fire spread led to the wildfire growing to more than 100 acres as of Monday morning, according to a press release from the Priest Lake Ranger District.

"The fire spotted over the 12-foot-wide fire lines and ignited the heavy fuels on the western flank of the fire," said Jill Cobb, fire information officer for the ranger district.

There are no structures threatened by the fires, which were first reported on Wednesday and sparked from lightning on June 29.

Firefighters spent the Fourth of July aggressively digging fire line and utilized helicopters and the newest generation of tanker retardant planes to suppress the fire. The crews were called off early Sunday morning due to the dangerous conditions and spent most the day holding the fire from crossing Granite Creek along Road 302 and South Fork Granite Creek along Road 311.

Road 311 has subsequently been closed. A portion of Road 302 is also closed.

Firefighters utilized a dozer to open old brushed in roads to allow safe access and allow them to more successfully fight the fire.

The total number of firefighters has increased to 65 with the anticipation of an additional 40 joining the crews.

Wildland firefighter crews have responded from all over the country and have been spread thin due to the massive 2,000-acre Cape Horn Fire in Bayview.

Another round of thunderstorms is expected to hit the area this afternoon and firefighters have been making as much progress as possible in anticipation. The crews will focus on preventing the fire from crossing roads 302 or 311.

Firefighters will also be scouting out potential firelines along the western and southern ground surrounding the fire.

The Granite Fire, which is still at zero percent containment, is one of just six blazes to be sparked in the Priest Lake and Nordman area.

The Blacktail Fire, a 6-acre blaze 4 miles west of Priest Lake, was at 20 percent containment as of Sunday morning. Blacktail Mountain trails 292 and 324 have been closed and the public is prohibited from entering the area.

The public is encouraged to stay informed of the changing conditions as multiple fires are still burning in the area. You can assist efforts by reducing speed on all public roads in the area and observing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

In Boundary County, crews on the Bakers Camp Fire had 75 percent of the fire break completed with 25 percent of the fire contained. According to Boundary County public information officer Mike Meier, expected fire growth and fire behavior is minimal.

About 63 firefighters are battling the wildland fire with helicopters conducting water bucket drops and logistics support.

At this time, no evacuations or closures are planned, Meier said.