Single Publication

Diamond Watch Fire Update

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8264/

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

 
Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Priest Lake Ranger District

Phone: (208) 557-8813

Location: 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID in Pend Oreille County, WA      Cause: Lightning      Start Date: July 14   Size: 1035 acres      Personnel: 21      Confined/Contained: 49%     

Incident Commander: ICT4 Hirst 

*These updates will be produced only if significant events occur*

Overview: The Diamond Watch Fire visible from ID Highway 57 near Nordman, ID is burning on Diamond Peak. This fire was started by lightning on July 14th. The fire is burning in rugged, steep, and dangerous terrain which has prompted fire officials to apply a confine/contain strategy to provide a safe working environment for firefighters. Containment line has been completed around the majority of the fire’s perimeter and Diamond Creek will continue to act as a natural barrier keeping the fire confined on the northern edge. Interior smoke will linger as timber litter and slash are consumed. Acreage will likely increase as the fire approaches the completed containment lines however, the fire has been stopping progression once it reaches those completed containment lines, and it is expected that the fire will continue to stop as it reaches the completed containment lines. As the fire reaches the completed containment lines, firefighters will be able to safely access the fire and fully suppress the fire’s edge. This will contribute to the containment percentage of the fire eventually increasing.

Planned Actions: Almost 7 miles of containment lines have been completed and are holding the fire in place as it reaches the perimeter. The fuel break that was created by heavy machinery on Forest Service Road (FSR) 308 was crucial in holding the fire within the completed containment line along FSR 308. Engine crews from Priest Lake Ranger District continue to patrol and suppress the fire where they can safely access the fire’s edge. Firefighters continue to use heavy equipment to improve forest roads in the area, and as a reminder, forest roads near the fire are closed to the public to provide for public and firefighter safety due to heavy machinery and fire vehicle traffic on those roads.

Smoke: Regional smoke from fires in the Western States and Canada have had impacts to the air quality around Priest Lake. For a current interactive air quality map and predicted smoke conditions, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

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 and all methods of travel are prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and areas. A closure on the Colville National Forest includes roads on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The closure is due to the Thor fire and starts at the junction of FS 302 and FSR 1013. The most up to date fire area closures can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices for the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/colville/alerts-notices for the Colville National Forest. 

Preparedness & Restrictions: Wildfire season is not over and the need to be prepared continues. Please visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires for details on preparing your home and family for potential wildfires on your area. There are no fire restrictions in place for the Diamond Watch Fire. For current fire restrictions around Idaho, visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/. 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.