North Idaho Type 3 IMT assumes command of the Gold Run Fire
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 week, 3 days AGO
This morning the North Idaho Type 3 IMT assumed command of the Gold Run Fire from the local Idaho Department of Lands Area office burning between Elizabeth Park and Big Creek, south of I-90 in Shoshone County.
Firefighters continue to hold the fire to an estimated 235 acres. Containment remains at 20%. Crews will ground truth the map today by walking the completed fireline along the entire perimeter. Crews will continue to secure firelines increasing containment, a press release said.
Evacuation notices remain in place for the Big Creek and Elizabeth Park area. Residents from Big Creek east to Johnson Street on both sides of I-90 remain in “Ready” status. However, fire officials are evaluating the situation this morning. The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office is managing evacuation information and will provide updates as soon as possible.
Yesterday saw minimal fire behavior and smoke impacts lifted from the valley. Rising temperatures today may increase fire activity in isolated areas of unburned fuel within the perimeter, making smoke and heat more noticeable.
Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority. Firefighters will continue to directly engage the fire where possible. The terrain is challenging with steep rocky slopes and snags that present hazardous working conditions.
About 247 personnel are now assigned to the fire. Resources include three Type 1 hotshot crews, with five additional Type 2 initial attack crews, heavy equipment, and aviation assets to support groundwork when needed, the release said.
The public is reminded to use extra caution on the road in the area with increased firefighter traffic and recreational visitors ahead of this weekend’s mountain bike races at Silver Mountain.
The fire is under Idaho Department of Lands protection. Cooperating agencies include the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Silver Valley Fire Rescue, Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, and Avista.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.