InciWebSingle Publication
Could not determine your location.
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
Other
Diamond Watch Fire Update 8/23/22
Diamond Watch Fire
Publication Type: News 08/23/2022
Location: 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID in Pend Oreille County, WA
Size: 813 acres
Personnel: 42
Containment: 0%
Incident Commander: ICT4 Hirst
Overview: The lightning caused Diamond Watch Fire was detected the evening of July 14th. The fire is visible from ID Highway 57 near Priest Lake and is burning on a ridge to the east of Diamond Peak located 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID in Pend Oreille County, WA. The fire was mapped at 813 acres via an infrared flight last night, 8/22. Most of the heat continues to be concentrated on the southern slope of the ridge. Portions of the perimeter have not grown over the last week and fire officials are hoping to call those areas contained in the next few days, after the lines are tested by potential challenging winds from forecasted thunderstorms. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority.
Planned Actions: Firefighters are utilizing heavy equipment, including masticators and dozers, to help reinforce containment lines along the forest roads surrounding the fire. By clearing away the vegetation that parallels the roads it creates a large fuel break where firefighters can work from to safely fight the fire. FSR 308 is being used as the southern and western containment lines and FSR 657 has been reinforced on the east connecting FSR 308 to Diamond Creek. Diamond Creek is acting as a natural barrier keeping the fire contained on the northern edge in addition to FSR 311 and 657. Crews are reinforcing lines by digging additional handlines, laying hoses, and setting up sprinkler systems with pumps to help stop any spread beyond containment lines. Direct action within the fire area would be very dangerous to firefighters due to the steep rugged terrain which is covered by dead and down trees in jackstraw piles.
Smoke: Smoke from numerous fires in WA and ID have had some impacts to the air quality around Priest Lake. The Air Quality Index has remained "Good" most days, but it has moved into "Moderate" a few times over the last month. For an interactive air quality map and predicted smoke conditions, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Weather: A chance of afternoon thunderstorms and showers is predicted to develop around the area for the next few days and may bring increased humidity’s and possible erratic winds. A return to mostly sunny skies by Friday is forecasted.
Closures & Evacuations: Area and road closures have been issued for Forest Service Roads 311, 308, 1362H and the area in the vicinity of the Diamond Watch Fire. Petit Lake and its associated dispersed campsites are within the area closure. FSR 1362 remains open. This closure is for public safety due to heavy equipment operations and wildfire suppression effects on the Diamond Watch Fire. All methods of travel are prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and area. The Priest Lake area can be accessed from the Colville National Forest through Newport, WA via US Highway 2 north and Priest River, ID via ID Highway 57 north. 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 easily transportable. Residents of Bonner County, ID or Pend Oreille, WA can visit https://www.nixle.com or text home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts.