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

The work comes amid a new "red flag warning" — which indicates conditions, including winds and low humidity, are primed for dangerous wildfire behavior — through 11 p.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service predicted the potential for abundant lightning, brief downpours and outflow winds with gusts up to 40 mph.

The area included in the warning includes northeastern Washington and much of North Idaho, including Boundary and Bonner counties.

Firefighters spent a portion of Tuesday working in the Smith Creek drainage, patrolling and mopping up along the northern containment line. Crews on the south of the fire continued to make steady progress strengthening the shaded fuel break down Westside Road by thinning vegetation and brush to reduce potential fire intensity.

Blue Team officials are assessing potential containment features along Westside Road to protect private, state, and wilderness land in the Kootenai River Valley, as well as features to protect timber lands to the far west of the fire. 

Eight rappelers inserted onto Parker Ridge by helicopter, who worked in tandem with aerial water drops to contain the fire's edge and mop up hot spots, were successful extracted from the area, Northern Idaho Blue Team officials said. The team, which took over management of the fire early Wednesday morning, are looking at opportunities to use fixed-wing aircraft along Parker Ridge to strengthen the hand line constructed by the rappelling crew. 

To the north, crews are continuing to prep Smith Creek Road west toward Cow Creek, using masticators. Blue Team officials said firefighters are also utilizing masticators to improve existing spur roads in the area toward the western flank of the fire. 

Patrols along Smith Creek Road will continue to monitor for any increase in fire activity, officials said.

There are 212 personnel assigned to the fire, including five hand crews, three helicopters, seven engines, six water tenders, two ambulances and assorted heavy equipment. The fire is 30% contained and has burned 3,547 acres.

Other fires in the region include:

• Porcupine Fire — Located 2 miles east of Porcupine Lake in Bonner County's Porcupine Creek drainage, the fire has burned 110 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.

• 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