KELLOGG — Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Gold Run Fire burning between Elizabeth Park and Big Creek south of Interstate 90, increasing containment while working to strengthen firelines ahead of forecasted windy conditions this weekend.

According to North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team Public Information Officer Jen Russell, updated mapping and field verification have adjusted the fire's estimated size to 221 acres. Containment has increased to 22%, and firelines constructed around the entire perimeter of the fire continue to hold.

The fire started Tuesday afternoon and prompted evacuations in the Big Creek and Elizabeth Park areas. Since then, crews from multiple agencies have worked to protect homes and infrastructure while limiting the fire's spread. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Earlier this week, three nonresidential structures were destroyed, all believed to be associated with the Shoshone Golf Course near Big Creek. The clubhouse sustained only minor cosmetic damage, and no additional structure losses have been reported. More than 120 structures remain threatened.

Russell said firefighters spent Friday strengthening and improving containment lines while extinguishing hot spots and areas of residual heat within the fire perimeter. Securing those areas remains a priority as hot and dry weather continues across the region.

To aid suppression efforts, an agency-operated drone equipped with an infrared camera flew over the fire Friday morning. Russell said the technology allows firefighters to detect heat sources that may not be visible from the ground, helping crews identify lingering problem areas, prioritize suppression efforts and improve firefighter safety.

Information gathered during the flight will help direct resources to locations requiring additional attention throughout the day.

Weather remains a concern for fire managers. Russell said hot and dry conditions are expected to continue, with wind gusts exceeding 30 mph forecast for Saturday. Stronger winds could challenge existing containment lines and increase fire activity in areas containing unburned fuels, making ongoing line improvement efforts critical before conditions change.

Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priorities, Russell said. Residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant, stay informed and avoid the fire area to allow crews to safely conduct suppression operations.

On Thursday, Shoshone County Sheriff Shawn Wehr lifted the evacuation orders for Elizabeth Park and Big Creek, but advised they could be reinstated if things go sideways. Under the three-tiered "Ready, Set, Go" evacuation system, Big Creek and Elizabeth Park will remain in the "Set" stage, meaning residents should be prepared to leave again on short notice if conditions change.

Highwater Road between Elizabeth Park and Big Creek remains closed to all traffic, including Country Club Road. The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes remains open to pedestrian traffic, though visitors are advised to remain alert for firefighting activity and follow directions from fire personnel.

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, the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office and Avista.

According to previous reports, the fire began after a power transformer exploded near Elizabeth Park. However, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.