BONNERS FERRY — While the winds came, so did the rains — helping moderate fire behavior and giving a boost to firefighters battling the Upper Smith Fire.

Despite the red flag warning — typically issued by the National Weather Service when conditions could lead to dangerous wildfire behavior — the fire saw minimal growth overnight. 

Located 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry and 6 miles west of Porthill, the fire has burned 3,600 acres — an increase of roughly 50 acres from the day before — and is 30% contained.

There are 192 personnel assigned to the fire, including four hand crews, three helicopters, eight engines, six water tenders, two ambulances and assorted heavy equipment. 

Crews are working on contingency lines along the fire's northwest flank, while firefighters in the Smith Creek drainage are monitoring and patrolling for hotspots along the fire’s northern edge. Northern Idaho Blue Team officials, now tasked with leading the effort to battle the fire, said crews are working south along Westside Road to extend a fuel break aimed at reducing wildfire risk to homes, agriculture and forestlands. 

To combat the increased fire activity in Long Canyon Creek, scooper and helicopter water drops were deployed and successfully held the fire at Parker Ridge. The fire has not crossed south on Parker Ridge or Trail 221, Blue Team officials said.

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 97% 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 97% 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 chain saw and machinery operation from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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

For more information on area wildfires, go to inciweb.wildfire.gov.

    Northern Idaho Blue Team and Northern Rockies Team 9 meet with local cooperators ahead of team transition on the Upper Smith Fire earler this week.