Single Publication

Diamond Watch Wildfire Update Thursday, October 27, 2022 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Priest Lake Ranger District

Phone: (208) 557-8813

**Additional updates will occur only if there is a change in conditions**

Location: 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID, in Pend Oreille County, WA

Size: 1,4429 acres     Personnel: 16       5       Containment: 80%       Incident Commander: ICT4 Hirst[MKF1] 

Overview: The lightning-caused Diamond Watch Fire was detected on the evening of July 14th. The fire is visible from ID Highway 57 near Priest Lake and is burning on a ridge east of Diamond Peak, located 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID, in Pend Oreille County, WA. The fire is primarily burning in timber litter with jackpots of heavier fuels under a dense canopy. The brush component has been in a heat sink with higher live fuel moisture than average and is slowing fire spread when encountered. Firefighters and public safety remain the top priority.

Planned Actions: The firefighters plan to conduct suppression repair actions in the area south and west of Diamond Creek/657 Road, north and east of 308 roads. Using heavy equipment and hand tools firefighters work to take measures to repair damage to areas where firefighting action has occurred as well as remove some lingering dangers left by the fire. During this time firefighters will begin to remove handlines, hoses, and sprinkler systems; and work to remove snags while reassessing the area dangers and safety concerns as it impacts public use and travel. During this work, firefighters will create Log Decks and Slash piles as they remove and restore natural areas. THESE LOG DECKS ARE NOT FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION, please when venturing out know that taking from these piles is PROHIBITED.

Weather: Normal seasonal temps in the 30s to 40s with a moderated chance of rain this coming week will allow for slow to minimal fire growth. Smoke can still be seen from some areas still smoldering from the fire.
 

Closures & Evacuations:  Closures for Forest Service Roads 311, 308, 1362H, and the area near the Diamond Watch Fire will be rescinded on 10/27/2022. Timing will depend on when crews are finished with snagging operations on FSR 308. Please keep in mind that personnel is still working in the area, and you may encounter firefighting traffic.

Forest Service Road 657 remains closed to public use

There are NO evacuations. However, when living in fire-prone areas, it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan in place, including having all important documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and quickly transportable. Residents of Bonner County, ID, or Pend Oreille, WA, can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts.

Hunting in the IPNF: The Idaho Panhandle National Forests encourages visitors to enjoy their public land by following travel management guidelines to minimize erosion impacts, aid in wildlife protection, provide non-motorized recreation and hunting opportunities, and protect natural resource values. Specific closure area information for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, including maps, are posted on the IPNF Alerts & Notices web page (https://www.fs.usdalgov/alerts/ipnf/alertsnotices) statewide information on fires and closures is provided on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Fire Map web page (https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/maps/realtime/fire/)  Prescribed fire plans can be found at http://bit.ly/NorthIdahoRxFire. In the opened areas, the public should be prepared to meet heavy equipment and other traffic on roads; be aware that weather conditions such as precipitation and wind can rapidly change conditions on the ground, especially in fire areas. Wind can blow trees across roadways and trails, and precipitation can wash debris across roads and trails, blocking access and raising stream and river levels. Forest visitors must be prepared to stay longer than expected due to changing circumstances. Preparing for the unexpected is the best plan.

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