Temporary flight restriction established for TCC fires

HOPE — A temporary flight restriction was established for the Trestle Creek Complex area.

The restriction, which can be found online at tfr.faa.gov, temporarily prohibits flight ops in the area for all non-firefighting aircraft. The TFR applies to all aircraft, including ultralights and drones.

The Forest Service’s area closure order was put in place for the safety of both the public and firefighters. Recent wind gusts have been observed starting spot fires as far as three-quarters of a mile from the main fire.

Fire officials said they have also witnessed burning materials rolling down the steep terrain and starting spot fires. Along with the extremely dry fuel loads in the area, these factors pose a serious safety risk to anyone camping, hiking, fishing, hunting or even driving in the area.

The forest closure order prohibits non-fire personnel from being on the roads, being on the trails, or being in the area. Please do not move, drive around or otherwise interfere with barricades and stay out of these areas.

To the west of Trestle Ridge, the fire is within 1 mile of residences in Flume Creek area. To combat this, crews continue opening and clearing Road 1082 on the west side of the fires as well as continuing to scout for and identify old logging roads and and other areas to use as defensible areas and provide better access for firefighters.

In the Trestle Creek area, the fire has not moved, but is still within a half-mile of residences and crews have been diligent in setting up fire hose lines, pumps and sprinkler systems as a precautionary measure.

Trestle Creek, Trout Creek and Flume Creek communities remain in a "ready" level evacuation status. For the most up-to-date information on "Ready, Set, Go" advisories, please visit local.nixle.com/bonner-county-sheriffs-office/.