BONNERS FERRY — Firefighters are working to battle the Upper Smith Fire via the air, ground and cliffs as rappel crews are again took to the hills to help contain the fire's edge near Parker Ridge.

Aerial water drops were used to cool the fire's southeastern perimeter Monday to protect homes, agricultural fields and other at-risk values in the Kootenai River Valley. Eight rappelers were inserted onto Parker Ridge by helicopter, working in tandem with the aerial water drops to contain the fire's edge and mop up hot spots, Northern Rockies officials said.

Meanwhile on the fire's eastern flank, firefighters used existing hose lays to mop up hot spots.

Northern Rockies crews are patrolling and mopping up along the northern containment line, working south into and along the Smith Creek drainage to extinguish remaining hot spots. Other crews are moving south along Westside Road to reduce fuel loading with shaded fuel breaks that are being aided by chippers.

Tuesday, rappel crews were expected to move east along the fire's perimeter, tying into eastern containment lines. Crews were also expected to assess the ridgeline for possible helispot locations. And, to protect timber lands near the fire's far western flank, Northern Rockies officials said crews are assessing possible containment features.

There are 181 personnel assigned to the fire, including eight rappelers, three helicopters, four hand crews, eight engines, two ambulances and six water tenders. The fire is 32% contained and has burned 3,417 acres.

Other fires in the region include:

• Porcupine Fire — Located two miles east of Porcupine Lake in Bonner County's Porcupine Creek drainage, the fire has burned 108 acres. The fire is 0% contained.

Air support continues to be key in fighting the fire, which is located in an area with steep slopes, cliffs and rocks, preventing direct fireline construction for much of the fire.

Suppression efforts are focused on keeping the fire from crossing over the ridge and establishing on the southeast face, which would increase the threat to nearby homes, property and other at-risk values, Idaho Panhandle National Forest officials said on InciWeb, an interagency incident information management site.

• Autumn Lane Fire — Located in Spokane and Stevens counties, the fire has burned roughly 5,764 acres. It is now 89% contained.

Level 3 evacuations continue to be in place in portions of the area.

• Fairview Fire — Located in Spokane County, the fire has burned just over 992 acres and is 97% contained. Forward progress of the fire has been stopped.

• Old Trails Fire — Located in Spokane County, the fire has burned more than 3,175 acres and is 73% contained.

All remaining evacuation levels on the Autumn Lane, Fairview and Old Trails fires have been lifted.

Fire danger remains rated as extreme in the region, meaning that fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely, according to local U.S. Forest Service officials.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect in Bonner and Boundary counties, while Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect in Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah counties.

Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, campfires and stove use are prohibited except at designated recreation sites, on private property or in approved fire structures. Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles, buildings or cleared areas free of flammable materials.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit fires and campfires; smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a designated recreation area that is at least 3 feet in diameter and barren or cleared of flammable materials. In addition, "Hoot Owl" restrictions limit chainsaw and machinery operation from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

For more information on fire restrictions, go to bit.ly/45a7eIT.

Information: InciWeb.wildfire.gov