BONNERS FERRY — While recent warmer weather has increased fire activity on the Kootenai River Complex, the threat is much lower than earlier in the season, Bonners Ferry Ranger District officials said.

"As anticipated, fire activity has picked up the last few days with warmer and drier conditions," they said in a press release Saturday. "A season-ending event has not yet occurred, and fire remains on the landscape. Expect to see continued smoke until the snow falls or significant rain occurs."

However, they noted that with decreased fire behavior overall, the threat is significantly reduced from earlier in the season.

Fire crews are keeping a close eye on the fire's perimeter, checking the fires associated with the complex from both the air and ground.

The fire, which has burned an estimated 22,910 acres, is being staffed by a fire crew of 86 people under the management of the Bonners Ferry Ranger District. The fire was started by a lightning strike in mid-August.

Officials said the Long Canyon Fire has shown a slight uptick in fire behavior while the Katka Fire has shown little activity the past few days. Both fires remain unstaffed, and firefighters continue to monitor them from the air and lookout points, BFRD officials said.

Pumps, hoses, sprinklers, and water tanks remain around properties on the west of Westside Road that could still be impacted, BFRD officials said. Crews will communicate with property owners as it becomes time to take this equipment down.

Firefighters continue to strengthen firelines, testing pumps and hoses still set up, and cooling the fire's edge where they can access it. In addition, helicopters will drop water to cool the fire's edge if it becomes necessary.

Rehabilitation work has begun in some areas, including reseeding, installing water bars for erosion control, and using an excavator to pull the lines back in places.

BFRD officials said fire crews are working with homeowners who want to leave the line in place on their property.

While a temporary flight restriction over the Katka Fire was removed Thursday, a TFR over the Russell Mountain Fire remains in place.

Diamond Watch Fire

Little has changed on the Diamond Watch Fire in recent days, with the fire remaining at about 60% containment. Efforts are ongoing to keep the Diamond Watch Fire from crossing roads on the south, east, west of the fire as well as at Diamond Creek on the north edge of the fire, officials said.

Since started by a lightning strike in mid-July, the Diamond Watch fire, has burned 1,220 acres. Located 5.5 miles due west of Nordman, the fire has 16 fire personnel assigned to the fire.

Columbus and Bear Gulch Fires

All closures associated with the Columbus Fire have been rescinded on both the Kootenai and on the Idaho Panhandle national forests. Although closures have been lifted, additional hazards are present in burned areas, U.S. Forest Service officials said.

Those include falling trees and branches, damaged root systems and fire-loosened soils. USFS officials urged those going into the area to be extra vigilant and to be aware of potential hazards.

Located 6 miles northeast of Murray, the Columbus Fire has burned 2,298 acres and is 0% contained. The fire is straddling the Idaho/Montana corner near the Columbus Creek drainage

Located 6 miles east of Murray, the Bear Gulch Fire has burned 144 acres since being sparked by lightning in mid-August.

Fire officials expect containment of both fires by late October.

Closure, evacuations and information

• On the Kootenai River Complex, the following Forest Service trails and roads are closed: Ball Creek Road (FR 432), Trout Creek Road (FR 634), Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball and Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge (No. 143), Clifty Mountain and Clifty/Burrow (No. 182), Myrtle Peak Trail (No. 286), and Burton Peak Trail (No. 9). Westside Road is limited to residents only.

• On the Diamond Watch Fire, closure orders are in effect for Forest Service roads 311, 308, and 1362H in the vicinity of the fire. However, FSR 1362 remains open. Petit Lake and is associated campsites are within the closure area.

Some camping areas along the southwest portion of Sullivan Creek Road have been notified that they are on a “set” be ready evacuation status and should be ready to leave if asked by local authorities.

• On the Coeur d'Alene Ranger District, closures include Trail 148 along Casper Creek, Trail 7 from the intersection with Trail 774 to Thompson Pass, Trail 1107 near the state line, Trail 763 near the state line, Forest Service Road 938, FSR 430 and FSR 604CZ.

• All methods of travel are prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and area.

• A temporary flight restriction is in place on the Katka Fire as well as on Scotch Creek, Russell Mountain, Eneas Peak and Trout fires. As a reminder, civilian drones are not allowed around active fires. Flying drones near an emergency scene is against the law and forces fire crews to ground their flights.

Information: InciWeb.nwcg.gov