Local fires under control
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 2 months AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | July 26, 2021 4:31 PM
ATHOL — The fire that broke out Friday afternoon near Silverwood is under control, officials said Monday. Cause of the blaze is not yet known.
The Brunner fire reportedly encompassed about 75 acres at its peak, according to Idaho Department of Lands Fire Information Duty Officer Mick Thomas.
IDL Fire, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and local fire crews responded to the incident.
“They hit Brunner with a fair amount of air support because of its proximity to the theme park,” Thomas said, adding that witnesses have not reported visible smoke in the area since Saturday.
The blaze prompted evacuations, including 8,000 Silverwood visitors.
The amusement park was back to business as usual on Saturday.
No primary structure damage was reported. Thomas said the fire potentially damaged two outbuildings and two cars.
Meanwhile, fire crews from multiple area agencies responded Saturday to a wildfire that broke out on Avista Island in Post Falls.
The fire burned about four acres of mostly rocky ground, Thomas said. Crews managed to keep the flames away from the power plant.
The fire was under control as of Monday.
“We’re safe and good to go,” Thomas said.
The cause of both fires remains under investigation.
North of the Silver Valley, crews are battling the Character Complex fire. Comprised of the Deceitful and Prichard fires, the complex has burned about 4,800 acres so far.
Officials said the Prichard fire was 75% contained as of late Monday.
The greatest potential for spread is from spotting outside of the control line on the eastern edge of the fire and along the West Fork of Eagle Creek.
The Deceitful fire remains 0% contained as it backs downhill toward the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River.
Terrain along the fire’s northern edge is unsafe for firefighter access, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
A task force consisting of two hotshot crews and a Type 2 hand crew has reportedly joined the firefighting efforts.
Residents in the area should remain alert for changing weather conditions and potential fire growth, officials said.
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