Klatawa, Smearl fires continue to concern officials

LIBBY — The Klatawa and Smearl fires on the Kootenai National Forest continued to concern fire officials Sunday.

“The Klatawa fire is currently 5,112 acres and contingency fire lines are in place to stop the spread,” according to a press release issued by the Kootenai National Forest on Sunday.

“Most of the fire growth is topography driven and with the winds, fire personnel are expect to see continued creeping and backing into the handlines that have been constructed. Fire personnel will continue to monitor and reinforce fire lines to keep the fire from spreading toward private property and homes.”

The Smearl fire is located in the Leigh Lake area and is suspected to be human caused officials said. “This fire is approximately 180 acres and has a hand-line around approximately two-thirds of the fire. Fire personnel will continue to monitor and reinforce fire lines to keep it from spreading further. This fire is at 70 percent containment.”

Minimum precipitation measuring .13 inches has been received since Oct. 1 over these fires, and wind gusts of up to 24 mph were expected Sunday. Near record temperatures are expected into next week. Area residents will continue to see smoke and active fire, and inversions will keep smoke in the Kootenai Valley during the week.

Resources are shared between the Klatawa and Smearl fires. Four helicopters have been working the hot spots and providing air support over the last four days. Resources on the fire include: 4 20-person crews, 10 smokejumpers, 18 helitack personnel, 3 district engines, and 10 miscellaneous support personnel.

Closure orders for the Big Cherry/Leigh Lake road as well as the Leigh Lake trail are still in-place for public safety. The Flower Creek closure order is still in effect.