HOPE — The Cougar Fire in the Cabinet Mountains east of town remained at 500 acres on Friday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

“Cooler temperatures and higher humidity should help to slow the fire spread,” the Forest Service said in an update on fires burning across the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

The fire is actively burning in steep, rugged terrain and it’s expected to continue burning with short-range torching, spotting and rolling debris.

Smokejumpers were deployed on Monday, although they were turned back because of safety concerns related to falling trees and steep terrain. Fire managers are using man-made and natural features to confine and contain the fire.

An all-terrain vehicle route, No. 642, was closed on Friday to ensure public safety. Trail No. 120 remains open.

The fire’s estimated containment date is late November, according to a post to InciWeb.

“Fire growth has been primarily to the north and east; an infrared flight will be made over the area this evening to accurately map the fire perimeter. Firefighters are scouting for opportunities to safely engage the fire,” the post said.

Fuels involved include timber litter and understory, in addition to 2-foot brush.

“Fire is moving towards Porcupine Creek and may continue to spread towards the creek bottom. Fire is also moving towards Wellington Creek to the northeast. Potential for fire to continue flanking with short uphill runs and move toward Lightning Creek,” the InciWeb post said.

A dry cold front with 20-25 mph SSW winds was expected to impact the fire area on Friday.

For updated fire information, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6081/.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.