ATHOL, Idaho — Firefighters expect containment to increase by Saturday night on an over 3,200-acre wildfire burning northeast of Athol.
According to the latest update from the Idaho Department of Lands, the Sunset Fire on the western slope of Lake Pend Oreille is 3,208 acres and 11% contained.
Crews will continue to draw water from the lake to help fight the fire. Boaters are asked to please stay out of the flight path to minimize disruptions.
Last night, firefighters completed a burnout operation to remove fuel from a section on the northeastern edge of the fire.
With temperatures increasing and relative humidity dropping, visible smoke is more likely for this fire.
Incident Management is working with the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office to clarify the evacuation zone descriptions for the fire. You can see the latest evacuations by clicking here.
An evacuation center is set up at the Cocolalla Bible Camp for those impacted by the fire. The Bonner County Fairgrounds can also shelter evacuated livestock on a limited basis.
Area closures are in effect in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. You can check out those area closures by clicking here.
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