Tuesday, August 25, 2026
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Lightning-sparked wildfires burn in area

CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 31 minutes AGO
by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | August 25, 2026 1:00 AM

BONNERS FERRY — A thunderstorm that rolled through the region Saturday night left behind several wildfires.

Among them were the 6-acre Parker Lake Fire; the 0.4-acre Pyramid Fire; the Lion Den Fire, which burned 0.25 acres before it was contained; the Silver Dollar 2 Fire, which has burned 8 acres; and the Silver Fire, which has burned 25 acres. All of the fires are located in Boundary County.

The Caribou Fire near Naples was reported at 100% contained. Mop-up work will continue as crews work toward controlled status, Idaho Department of Lands officials said.

In Bonner County, the red flag weather left behind the Lamb Creek Fire, 100% contained at 0.2 acres. In Kootenai County, the storm resulted in the Skookum Creek Fire reported at 2.3 acres, with no status on its containment. Also reported in Kootenai County were the Monument Fire, reported at 0.25 acres; the Cascade Fire, reported at 0.1 acres; and the Skitwish Hut Fire, listed at 0.25 acres; all of which are 100% contained.

On the Upper Smith Fire in northern Boundary County, retardant dropped over the weekend is holding the seven-week-old fire inside Parker Ridge, Northern Idaho Blue Team officials said.

The fire is continuing to flank and back along the Parker Ridge Trail within the 2015 burn scar. Helicopters dropped water along the south and west sides of the fire in Long Canyon, while aircraft continued water drops Monday to slow fire spread.

Blue Team officials said crews were flown to Parker Ridge to construct fireline on the south flank of the Upper Smith Fire.

While crews kept the Upper Smith Fire from crossing Parker Ridge, lightning strikes from Saturday's storm caused three fire starts south of the Upper Smith. All three fires, one of which is already contained, fall within the initial attack response of the Upper Smith and are being managed by Blue Team fire crews.

The fires, all located in the Long Canyon area south of the Upper Smith Fire, are the Parker Lake, Canyon Lake and Pyramid fires. Idaho Panhandle National Forest's Bonners Ferry District firefighters coordinated with the incident team to contain the Canyon Lake Fire, and mop-up is underway.

Also, a helicopter rappel crew was inserted for initial attack on the Pyramid Fire. The Parker Lake Fire’s growth is being checked by water drops while firefighter safety is being prioritized before crew insertion.

Located 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry in the Kootenai River Valley, the fire has burned 4,442 acres. The fire is 38% contained.

There are 126 personnel assigned to the fire, including two hand crews, six engines, three helicopters, two scooper planes and two air tankers. In addition, there are six water tenders, an ambulance and assorted heavy equipment.

Located 7 miles north-northeast of Clark Fork, the Porcupine Fire has burned 127 acres. The fire remains 0% contained.

"Steep terrain, rolling debris and limited road access continue to influence suppression opportunities," Idaho Panhandle National Forest officials said. "Aside from initial attack … further fireline construction opportunities have not been feasible. Aviation resources continue to be key in keeping the fire in check."

The fire crew’s main emphasis continues to be focused on aerial attack and keeping the Porcupine Fire within its current footprint.

Fire danger remains rated 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 and 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 and idl.idaho.gov/recent-wildfire-alerts

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Lightning-sparked wildfires burn in area
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