Containment increases on Gold Run Fire

Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Gold Run Fire burning between Elizabeth Park and Big Creek south of Interstate 90 in Shoshone County. Updated mapping and field verification have increased the estimated fire size to 221 acres. Containment has increased to 22%, a press release said Friday.

Firelines constructed around the entire perimeter of the fire continue to hold. Today, firefighters will focus on strengthening and improving those containment lines while extinguishing hot spots and addressing areas of residual heat within the fire perimeter.

An agency-operated drone equipped with an infrared camera was flown over the fire this morning to identify areas of concern that may still contain heat. Infrared technology allows firefighters to detect heat sources that may not be visible from the ground, helping crews prioritize suppression efforts and improve firefighter safety. Information gathered from the flight will help direct resources to locations requiring additional attention throughout the day.

Weather conditions remain a concern. Hot and dry weather is expected to continue today, and forecasted wind gusts exceeding 30 mph are expected Saturday. Increased winds can challenge existing containment lines and increase fire activity in areas containing unburned fuels. Firefighters are taking advantage of current conditions to strengthen firelines and secure the perimeter before winds increase, the release said.

The Highwater Road between Elizabeth Park and Big Creek remains closed to all traffic, including all of Country Club Road. The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes remains open to pedestrian traffic.

The fire remains under Idaho Department of Lands protection. Cooperating agencies include the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Bureau of Land Management, Silver Valley Fire Rescue, Shoshone County Sheriff's Office and Avista.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.