SANDPOINT — Fire crews made significant progress on the Sage Brush Fire as crews completed a fireline around the fire's perimeter using handline and plumbed hose, Idaho Department of Lands officials said.

The fire is burning in timber understory and grass on rocky terrain. Idaho Department of Lands employed unmanned aerial systems to map the fire, which is estimated at 47 acres.

Reported early Monday afternoon, the fire briefly forced the evacuation of residents along several roads in the Athol area and prompted others to prepare as a precaution.

All evacuation orders surrounding the Sage Brush Fire have been lifted. However, IDL officials cautioned that road roads in the fire's vicinity may close temporarily for improved firefighter safety and operational control during mop-up.

Crews made good progress on the fire Wednesday as they continue to improve control lines and mop-up along the fire’s perimeter, IDL officials said. Mop-up involves felling of dangerous snags and trees, putting out all spot fires, and extinguishing all burning material starting at the perimeter and working inward to ensure the fire does not escape control lines.

IDL resources are on scene and include nine engines, a dozer, four single-engine scoopers, an air attack and four hand crews.

Fire officials reminded residents to avoid areas where crews are working, noting that crews are reporting increased activity from recreational off-road vehicles, which can impact firefighter safety and hamper efforts. 

The ATV activity could result in some roads in the vicinity may be temporarily closed to unauthorized traffic.

Ulm Creek Fire

The Ulm Creek Fire, which has burned 2,806 acres, is 10% contained. Located on the Coeur d'Alene Ranger District, the fire is located 16 miles north of Prichard. 

Sparked by an Aug. 30 lightning strike, the fire is being fought by and Incident Command Team 3 led by Mike Starr. There are 192 personnel assigned to the fire, including six engines, two hand crews, and assorted heavy equipment. Two falling modules and three fire suppression modules are also assigned to the fire.

The fire is seeing some creeping, backing, and smoldering. The higher acreage reflects the fire's growth inside the fire perimeter and is an estimate based on ground observations, U.S. Forest Service officials said. 

Firefighters and heavy equipment crews continue making progress on reinforcing containment lines along Forest Road 412 and 992 and creating a defensible space around both the Gem Peak Lookout and Gem Peak Warming Hut. As an additional fireline control, USFS officials said firefighters will begin working along Forest Road.

With storms in the forecast, fire management officials said they are keeping a close eye on the weather. While potential rains would aid suppression efforts, the storms are likely to bring wind and lightning — both of which could spark new fires or increase the size of existing fires.

"As unstable weather moves into the area, moderate fire behavior is expected," they added.

A portion of the fire, which is burning in the 2006 Ulm Peak Fire scar, contains abundant snag hazards that make handline unfeasible. USFS officials note that Kootenai National Forest Plan management direction for the Ulm Peak Research Natural Area limits mechanized fireline options to existing road systems. 

Green Rattle Complex

On the Green Rattle Complex — which includes the Green Mountain, Rattle Mountain, Spruce and Spruce Ridge fires — crews halted growth of the fires. There are 155 personnel assigned to the fires within the complex, which is located on the Sandpoint Ranger District. A complex fire refers to two or more wildfires that have either merged or are being managed under a single incident command.

A fifth fire, the Bear Mountain Fire, was quickly contained to one-fourth of an acre thanks to swift helicopter bucket support and a direct ground attack.

"Safety remains the top priority for both firefighters and the public," IMT officials said. "Crews continue working diligently to keep all fires within National Forest boundaries."

Firefighters have made steady progress reinforcing control lines on the complex fires, using existing roads and trails to their advantage. While there are currently no evacuation orders, officials strongly encouraged the public to avoid the area to support ongoing firefighting efforts.

The fires have burned an estimated 367 acres since being sparked by lightning between Aug. 29 and Sept. 2. They are 0% contained.

Of the fires, the Green Mountain Fire has burned an estimated 13 acres, the Rattle Mountain Fire has burned 102 acres, the Spruce Fire has burned 201 acres and the Spruce Ridge Fire has burned 51 acres. Each has grown slightly over the past few days with the most activity being seen on the Spruce Fire, U.S. Forest Service officials said.

Lightning Creek Fire

The Lightning Creek Fire remains 25% contained. Located nine miles north of Clark Fork, 109 personnel are assigned to the 2,515-acre fire.

Roads and trails surrounding the fire are closed for firefighter and public safety. A temporary flight restriction is also in effect.

Smoke and haze will continue to moderate fire behavior across all incidents, officials said. However, afternoon thunderstorms and associated winds could increase fire activity.

Information: Idaho Department of Lands, idl.idaho.gov.; InciWeb, inciweb.wildfire.gov