SANDPOINT — A handful of wildfires started by lightning during a late August thunderstorm continue to burn in the region.

The largest, the Ulm Creek Fire, is located 6 miles north of Little Guard Peak and 5 miles east of Spion Kop in northeastern Montana just across the Idaho border.

While there are no evacuations connected to the fire, now estimated at 2,529 acres, a closure order for portions of the Idaho Panhandle and Kootenai National Forest remains in effect.

While the fire is at 0% containment, growth of the fire has slowed due to additional resources, fire suppression efforts and more favorable weather conditions, U.S. Forest Service officials said Saturday. There are 135 personnel assigned to the fire, which is located on the Coeur d'Alene Ranger District. In addition, there are six engines, three hand crews and assorted heavy equipment also assigned to the fire.

On the Green Rattle Complex, which encompasses the Green Mountain, Rattle Mountain, Spruce and Spruce Ridge fires, 71 personnel are battling the 201-acre complex fire located on the Sandpoint Ranger District.

A complex fire refers to when two or more wildfires have either grown together or are being managed under a single incident command.

Of the fires, the Green Mountain Fire has burned an estimated 8 acres, the Rattle Mountain Fire has burned 80 acres, the Spruce Fire 104 acres and the Spruce Ridge Fire has burned 9 acres.

The Green Mountain Fire, is located 8 miles west of Clark Fork and 3 miles east of Kilroy Bay. Detected after an Aug. 29 lightning storm, the fire is burning in steep, cliffy terrain above Lake Pend Oreille, commonly known as the Green Monarchs. Due to lack of safe access to the fire, USFS officials said an engine crew and hand crew have been assessing feasible indirect line locations. In addition to engine crews, helicopters and assorted heavy equipment are assisting on the fires.

A Type 1 helicopter slowed spread of the fire Friday by cooling hotspots and heavy equipment operators and firefighters are working to thin fuels adjacent to a portion of Forest Service Road 278, as part of an indirect line if needed.

Crews are beginning structure protection assessments in the Kilroy Bay, Pine Cove, and Granite areas. Road and trail closure orders remain in effect.

The Rattle Mountain Fire was first detected Sept. 2 and is burning in steep, brushy terrain, with heavy fuels. Located 13 miles north-northeast of Clark Fork, the fire's behavior is moderate, with only smoldering and backing fire observed. Thus far, firefighters and an engine — supported by helicopters, as needed — have been able to keep the fire north of FSR473. A road closure for a portion of the FSR473 remains in effect.

The Spruce Fire continued to be active Friday, primarily spreading by backing and flanking in large, dense timber both to the north and east, USFS officials said. First detected Sept. 1, the fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain, approximately 12 miles southwest of Troy, Mont.

"Crews are working to keep the fire checked south of the FSR473, but the fire is already impacting the Halverson Botanical Special Area," officials said.

The fourth fire in the complex, the Spruce Ridge Fire, was also detected Sept. 1, burning on a remote ridgeline associated with Spruce Mountain, approximately 13 miles southwest of Troy.

Growth on the fire was "fairly quiet" Friday, with just 4 acres of growth reported, USFS officials said.

"After scouting the complex by air, fire managers decided on an indirect suppression strategy, as firefighter and public safety are always the highest priority," Forest Service officials said in an update on the fires. "Crews are beginning structure protection assessments today in the vicinity of Green Mountain Fire."

To support firefighter efforts and safety, USFS officials are asking the public to avoid the area around the fire. Helicopter activity may be visible.

As temperatures begin to moderate, relative humidity of 30% is contributing to "excessively dry fuel moistures." While cooler temperatures forecast for the coming week, bringing a promise of possible rain, expected gusty and erratic winds could increase fire behavior and growth, officials said.

The Lightning Creek Fire continues to burn 9 miles north of Clark Fork. Roughly 109 personnel are assigned to the 2,515-acre fire, which is 25% contained.

Roads and trails surrounding the region's fire are closed for firefighter safety as well as that of the public. In addition, a temporary flight restriction is in effect around the fire areas.

Information: inciweb.wildfire.gov

    An aerial view of the Ulm Creek Fire.