SANDPOINT — Containment of the Sunset Fire in southern Bonner County has reached 80%, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

“All in all, we’re in that big wind-down phase for the entire fire,” said Greg Shenk, operations section chief for Northern Rockies Team 5.

As containment increases, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest has lifted an area closure, and command is expected to transfer from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Command to a local North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team on Saturday.

Crews continue to secure and mop up firelines along the perimeter, with pumps, hoses and sprinklers being removed from the western and northern flanks where they are no longer needed. Structure protection equipment is also being taken down in areas where it is no longer necessary.

While isolated pockets of heat and uncontained line remain, Shenk said there are no issues along the entire western flank of the fire — from south of Maiden Creek to the fire’s heel north of Athol and Bayview.

“I feel very, very confident that there won’t be any surprises with the fire,” Shenk said.

Helicopters will continue supporting ground crews with water delivery, cargo backhaul, reconnaissance missions and heat detection and mapping as needed.

Idaho Department of Lands officials said demobilization of resources will continue as fire activity moderates.

Minimal fire behavior — including smoldering and creeping — is expected to persist as heavy fuels burn inside the fire perimeter. Smoke may be visible.

The incident management team is adjusting staffing to match current needs while maintaining adequate personnel to ensure firefighter and public safety.

“A glow from residual heat within the fire footprint may be visible in the late evening and throughout the night,” IDL officials said. “There is currently no threat to constructed firelines or fire progression.”

All advisories under the Ready-Set-Go evacuation protocols and closures related to the Sunset Fire have been lifted.

Checkpoints in the Bayview area, on Little Blacktail Road, and near Talache and East Dufort roads will continue to be staffed by law enforcement to restrict non-residents from entering previously evacuated areas.

The Selkirk Fire District has prohibited all open burning, including campfires, outdoor yard waste burning, open flame devices and charcoal fires.

Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler thanked everyone involved in bringing the Sunset Fire under control.

“I personally want to thank the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5, the Hotshot crews and every local firefighter and support staff who contributed to the successful management of this fire,” Wheeler said in a statement. “Bonner County will be forever indebted to you!”

Near Clark Fork, the Lightning Creek Fire — sparked by a lightning strike July 30 — remains at 25% containment and has burned 2,525 acres.

Fire activity is minimal, with creeping and smoldering on its northern and southern flanks. Incident Commander Kelly Tucker of the Sandpoint Ranger District assumed control of the fire Aug. 18.

Information: Lightning Creek Fire, bit.ly/4l5NhIB; Sunset Fire, bit.ly/3HR16gm; Bonner County Sheriff’s Office: bonnerso.org