U.S. Forest Service - Idaho Panhandle National Forests

U.S. Forest Service - Idaho Panhandle National Forests The USDA Forest Service page is a combined effort of the National Forest Foundation and the USDA Forest Service.

Comment Policy: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/usda-comment-policy From the shores of big lakes to the banks of winding rivers, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests create a tapestry of land and water in the handle of North Idaho. The Forest has been and continues to be the lifeline for local communities. Silver, gold and large timber drew settlers to the area. Remnant roads that once led to work

now lead to play, and treasures sought are now recreational - water-based activities, winter uses and the traditional hiking, hunting, fishing and gathering. More than half the state’s surface water is on the Forest. These vast lakes and miles of rivers support a world class fishery. Rich in wildlife, the Forest is home to large game such as elk and deer, as well as species such as grizzly bears, wolves and caribou that add to the sense of "wildness". From lush evergreen mountains to the shores of big waters, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest has a rich history that continues to link families and forest. Historic cabins and lookouts dot the landscape, while significant places such as Hiawatha Trail and Marble Creek Historic District add depth to the heritage. Fire has played, and continues to play an important role in the landscape’s evolution. Forest roads and trails trace the past of American Indians, mining, logging, and Forest Service History.

🔥Porcupine Fire🔥Update: August 31, 2026Idaho Panhandle National ForestFire Information 208-557-8813https://inciweb.wildf...
08/31/2026

🔥Porcupine Fire🔥
Update: August 31, 2026
Idaho Panhandle National Forest
Fire Information 208-557-8813
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/idipf-porcupine-fire

Location: Two miles east of Porcupine Lake in the Porcupine Creek drainage
Start Date: 7/24/2026
Cause: Natural, Lightning
Size: 180 acres
Containment: 0%

KEY MESSAGE: This will be the last update for the Porcupine Fire unless fire activity increases. The fire is burning in steep rocky terrain with limited access. Firefighting actions during initial attack combined with aviation support and natural barriers are keeping the fire in check. The fire received approximately a quarter inch of rain early Sunday morning and there has been minimal growth in the past seven days. Suppression efforts remain focused on containing the fire within its existing perimeter.

CURRENT STATUS AND PLANNED ACTIONS: The fire is creeping through rocky outcroppings and backing towards natural features. Suppression actions are commensurate with fire behavior. Fire personnel are on scene daily evaluating options for aviation and ground resources to safely engage the fire where there is a high probability of success. Firefighter and public safety remain top priorities for managing this fire.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Monday will start mild and dry with temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s and light east winds shifting out of the south in the afternoon. Tuesday evening has the potential for isolated thunderstorms, as a passing front will bring wetter than normal conditions through the remainder of the week, moderating fire behavior.

CLOSURES AND MESSAGES: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect. There are no closures associated with this fire. However, Lightning Creek Road (FSR 419) is closed to all motorized traffic. The public should remain aware of the potential for changing conditions and yield to fire personnel who will be engaged in fire suppression in the area.

Photo Credit: USFS - View of the Porcupine Fire on 08/31/2026.
Bonner County Emergency Management

🔥Silver Fire🔥Update: August 31, 2026Idaho Panhandle National ForestsFire Information: 208-266-5956Email: 2026.silver@fir...
08/31/2026

🔥Silver Fire🔥

Update: August 31, 2026
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Fire Information: 208-266-5956
Email: [email protected]
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-silver-fire

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 8
Incident Commander Brad Bergman
Location: Upper Pack River drainage, near Silver Dollar Peak. 14 miles west of Bonners Ferry, ID, and 23 miles north of Ponderay, ID
Start Date: 08/23/2026
Cause: Natural - lightning
Size: approx. 2,424 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 110

KEY MESSAGE:
Road and trail closures remain in effect in upper Pack River area to protect the public and firefighters working on the Silver Fire. Hunters, hikers, climbers and other recreationists are asked to respect all closures in the upper Pack River area. Fire behavior remains minimal, with backing, creeping, and isolated tree torching observed.

CURRENT STATUS:
Crews continue reducing fuels along Pack River Road and Chimney Rock Trail through handwork and mastication. Today crews will widen and improve Pack River Road where needed to support safe operations and strengthen it as a potential control feature. Resources will continue scouting contingency options and evaluating north, east, and south perimeters. Crews will also assess fire movement and opportunities to safely and effectively engage the fire with indirect and direct suppression strategies.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Today, temperatures will be warmer, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s with relative humidity between 20% and 30%. Winds will be light. There may be an increased chance of lightning activity over the next two days, and precipitation is possible later in the week.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES:
CLOSED:
• U.S. Forest Service Road 231 starting from the junction with FSR 293 (Section 34, T60N, R2W) then north 12.4 miles until its end (Section 6, T61N, R2W) and All of FS Trail 217, FS Trail 6, and FS Trail 268
• U.S. Forest Service Trail 165, 165A, and 165B Roman Nose Lakes Trails from the trailhead to the terminus
• U.S. Forest Service Trail 185 Snow Lake Trail from the trailhead at the junction with FSR 402 Snow Creek Rd to the terminus at Snow Creek Pond
• U.S. Forest Service Trail 187 Bottleneck Lake Trail from the junction with 185 Snow Lake NRT to the terminus at Bottleneck Lake
• Idaho Dept. of State Lands: Chimney Rock and Mount Roothaan Trailhead (IDL Road 25) – Trailhead closed at the end of IDL Road 25
• Idaho Dept. of State Lands: Hunt Lake, Fault Lake, Gunsight Peak Trailhead (IDL Road 241) – Trailhead closed at the end of IDL Road 241

In addition to road and trail closures, an emergency barricade is in place on the Upper Pack River Road (FSR #231) at its intersection with FSR #293 (the Pack River Snowmobile Parking).

View U.S. Forest Service emergency closure orders at: www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/alerts

View Idaho Department of Lands Temporary Road and Trail Closure: https://content.govdelivery.com/bul.../gd/IDLANDS-4271ffa...

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Silver Fire. If you fly, we can't. Violations may result in civil fines up to $75,000 per violation, criminal fines up to $100,000, and up to one year in federal prison.

Boundary County Emergency Management, PIO

🔥UPPER SMITH, PARKER LAKE, BORDER FIRE UPDATE 8/31/2026 🔥Idaho Panhandle National ForestsPhone: 208-295-5495 (8 am – 8 p...
08/31/2026

🔥UPPER SMITH, PARKER LAKE, BORDER FIRE UPDATE 8/31/2026 🔥

Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Phone: 208-295-5495 (8 am – 8 pm) | Email: [email protected]

Northern Idaho Blue Team – Incident Commander Bryce Barth, Scott Drake (T)
Location: 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, ID

Upper Smith
Start Date: 7/8/2026
Containment: 42%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 4,701 acres

Parker Lake
Start Date: 8/23/2026
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 1,309 acres

Border
Start Date: 8/25/2026
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 43 acres

Resources: 141 Personnel | 3 Hand Crews | 4 Engines | 3 Helicopters | 2 Dozers |
4 Water Tenders | 2 Ambulances

KEY MESSAGE: Minimal fire activity was observed yesterday. There was no increase in fire acreage.

CURRENT STATUS AND PLANNED ACTIONS:
Yesterday, fire activity was minimized by rainfall Saturday evening into Sunday morning. No aerial resources were utilized on Sunday for any of the fires due to inclement weather. Fire activity on all three fires is expected to be minimal.

UPPER SMITH
Very little fire growth was observed along the 2015 Parker Ridge fire scar. Ground resources continue to monitor and patrol previously contained lines along Smith Creek and Westside Road.

PARKER LAKE
The fire has not yet merged with the Upper Smith fire. When available and conditions allow, aerial resources will resume operations to moderate fire progression. Equipment and hand crews continue to improve FSR 2443C to access and protect private and industrial timber grounds to the west, in the event fire compromises Long Canyon Creek.

BORDER
The fire remains in its footprint due to direct fire line operations and substantial rainfall over the weekend. Two crews and an engine continue direct fire line construction. Once complete, mop-up activities will commence.

WEATHER: Over the Parker Lake and Upper Smith fires, the temperatures will warm into the 60s and 70s with lighter terrain-driven winds. The Border fire will see temperatures in the 50s to 60s. No precipitation is expected today.

EVACUATIONS: Parker, Copeland, Smith Creek and Westside zones remain at READY.

CLOSURES:
▪ Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect.
▪ Closures are in place for Smith Creek Road, Long Canyon Trail, Parker Ridge Trail, Fisher Peak Trail, and Pyramid Pass Trail.
▪ For your safety, please avoid the Westside Road north of Copeland Bridge Road.

FLIGHT RESTRICTION: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Upper Smith Fire. No drones—if you fly, we can’t.

For More Information:
👉InciWeb:
Smith Fire:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-upper-smith-fire
Parker Lake Fire:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-parker-lake-fire
Border Fire:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-border-fire

👉Idaho Panhandle National Forests – Restrictions & Closures:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/alerts See less
👉Boundary County Sheriff – Emergency Information:
https://www.boundarysheriff.org/

Photo 1 Description: Upper Smith Fire in Long Canyon on August 30, 2026.
Photo 2 Description: Upper Smith, Parker Lake, and Border fire daily map.
Photo 2 Description: Fire personnel testing wind speed at structure protection site.

🔥Dudley Fire🔥Update: August 31, 2026Idaho Panhandle National Forests Fire Information 208-557-8813https://inciweb.wildfi...
08/31/2026

🔥Dudley Fire🔥
Update: August 31, 2026
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Fire Information 208-557-8813
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-dudley-fire

Type 3 Team: Incident Commander Jerrod Scheffelmaier
Location: 5 Miles north of Wallace, ID
Start Date: 08/26/2026
Cause: Natural - Lightning
Size: 553 Acres
Containment: 14%
Resources: 211 Personnel; 8 engines; 7 hand crews; 2 dozers; 1 masticator; 3 water tenders; 2 Helicopters

KEY MESSAGE: Residents in the Blackcloud area, from Dobson Pass to Ferguson, are in the READY evacuation status. Be prepared to evacuate if conditions change. Dobson Pass is closed.

CURRENT STATUS: Fire activity increased yesterday, crossing portions of Ferguson Ridge and is backing downslope towards Beaver Creek Road (FSR 456) and Carbon Center. Firefighters worked actively to suppress the fire, with heavy helicopters conducting water drops to slow fire spread and extinguish hotspots. Strategic burnouts are being used to clean up pockets of unburned fuel and strengthen firelines.

Firefighters held the fire on the southwest flank along the powerline corridor and portions of FSR 429. Crews will continue constructing handlines and dozer lines, improving roads, and building fuel breaks. Aerial resources will support ground operations and limit fire spread. A structure protection group is assessing structures and deploying water tanks, pumps, hose lays, and sprinklers in Carbon Center

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Monday will start mild and dry with temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s and light east winds shifting out of the south in the afternoon. Tuesday evening has the potential for isolated thunderstorms, as a passing front will bring wetter than normal conditions through the remainder of the week, moderating fire behavior.
SPECIAL MESSAGES:

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION: A TFR is in effect over the Dudley Fire. If you fly, we can't.

EVACUATION STATUS: READY status is in effect for the Blackcloud area, from Dobson Pass to Ferguson. Emergency Notifications: https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper_reach/sign_up_page_2/?id=93602&utm_source=chatgpt.com

ROAD CLOSURE: Beaver Creek Road is closed from Delta through Dobson Pass and south to the Nine-Mile Junction.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah counties until further notice. There are no forest closures at this time.

Photo Credit: USFS Jarrod Scheffelmaier, lookout monitoring weather and fire behavior.

Shoshone County Sheriff's Office

08/30/2026

🔥 Border Fire 🔥

August 29th video of the Border fire showing fire activity, the retardant line and constructed fire line. The Border fire is burning along the United States /Canadian border, located approximately 3 Miles W of Porthill, ID.

🔥 Silver Fire 🔥Idaho Panhandle National ForestsFire Information: 208-266-5956 Email: 2026.silver@firenet.gov https://inc...
08/30/2026

🔥 Silver Fire 🔥
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Fire Information: 208-266-5956
Email: [email protected]
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-silver-fire
August 30, 2026

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 8
Incident Commander Brad Bergman
Location: Upper Pack River drainage, near Silver Dollar Peak. 14 miles west of Bonners Ferry, ID and 23 miles north of Ponderay, ID
Start Date: 08/23/2026
Cause: Natural - lightning
Size: approx. 2,424 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 81

KEY MESSAGE:
The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 8 assumed command of the Silver Fire at 6 a.m. Sunday, August 30th. The fire is actively burning in extremely steep, rocky terrain in the upper Pack River valley. It has crossed the Beehive Lake Trail to the north and is approaching the Chimney Rock Trail to the south. Individual and group tree torching is producing spot fires ahead of the main fire. Firefighters are developing both direct and indirect suppression strategies, while aircraft are checking fire spread.

CURRENT STATUS:
Crews are reducing fuels along Pack River Road and strengthening containment lines while continuing to assess fire movement. Direct suppression will be utilized where terrain and fire behavior allow firefighters to work safely and effectively.

Values at risk include the Myrtle Creek Watershed, recreation infrastructure, private lands and nearby communities.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Temperatures will be cooler with elevated relative humidity as a cold front passes. Cooler temperatures will persist into Sunday with good to excellent overnight humidity recovery. Today, southwesterly winds of 5-10 mph with gusts up to 25 near summits will increase slope alignment and may influence fire behavior.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES:
Hunters, hikers, climbers and other recreationists are asked to respect all closures in the upper Pack River area. Firefighters, vehicles and aircraft are actively working in the area, and closures are necessary for both public and firefighter safety. An emergency barricade is in place on the Upper Pack River Road (FSR #231) at its intersection with FSR #293 (the Pack River Snowmobile Parking).

Idaho Department of Lands Temporary Road and Trail Closure Due to Silver Fire: https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/IDLANDS-4271ffa?wgt_ref=IDLANDS_WIDGET_555&fbclid=IwcGRvZgVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeCJuJrujafa9bEz476H2dDRlrX38CGAL1KMMRVYTl8GsU2dUIbUd5eoXbrHY_aem_319emGHGTlhLqTKkaqv91A

Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Silver Fire. If you fly, we can't. Violations may result in civil fines up to $75,000 per violation, criminal fines up to $100,000, and up to one year in federal prison.

Forest Closure Orders: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/alerts
Boundary County Emergency Management, PIO,

🔥Dudley Fire🔥Idaho Panhandle National Forests Fire Information 208-557-8813https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-informa...
08/30/2026

🔥Dudley Fire🔥
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Fire Information 208-557-8813
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-dudley-fire
August 30, 2026

Type 3 Team: Incident Commander Jerrod Scheffelmaier
Location: 5 Miles north of Wallace, ID
Start Date: 08/26/2026
Cause: Natural - Lightning
Size: 557 Acres
Containment: 0%
Resources: 201 personnel; 6 engines; 7 hand crews; 2 dozers; 1 masticator; 2 water tender; 2 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Excavator, 4 Structure Protection Modules

Key Message: Residents in the Blackcloud area, from Dobson Pass to Ferguson, are in the READY evacuation status. Be prepared to evacuate if conditions change. Dobson Pass is closed.

Current Status: The fire is now 557 acres. The increase is due to trees torching and producing spot fires to the north, as well as strategic burnout operations conducted by firefighters. These operations removed fuels and strengthened firelines to limit fire spread. The fire remains west of Beaver Creek/Dobson Pass Road (Forest Service Road 456) and is holding in the Ferguson Creek drainage. The fire remains north of Forest Service Road 424.

Additional crews, equipment, and a structure protection group have been brought in to support containment efforts. Structure protection resources are assessing structures in the Carbon Center, Ferguson, and Upper Nine Mile areas.

Crews continue to construct handlines and dozer lines, improve roads, and build fuel breaks. Helicopters and scoopers will continue water drops, while fixed-wing aircraft will provide retardant to slow fire spread and support ground operations.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Sunday will be partly sunny with a chance of morning showers. Temperatures will reach the mid-60s to lower 70s, with west winds and afternoon gusts up to 20 mph. Winds will decrease Sunday evening. There is a 5% chance of lightning.

Closures and Special Messages: Temporary Flight Restriction: A TFR is in effect over the Dudley Fire. If you fly, we can't.

Evacuation Status: READY status is in effect for the Blackcloud area, from Dobson Pass to Ferguson. Emergency Notifications: https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper_reach/sign_up_page_2/?id=93602&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Road Closure: Beaver Creek Road is closed from Delta through Dobson Pass and south to the Nine-Mile Junction.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah counties until further notice. There are no forest closures at this time.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/alerts?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Shoshone County Sheriff's Office

🔥 Upper Smith, Parker Lake, and Border Fires Update🔥Idaho Panhandle National ForestsPhone: 208-295-5495 (8 am – 8 pm) | ...
08/30/2026

🔥 Upper Smith, Parker Lake, and Border Fires Update🔥
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Phone: 208-295-5495 (8 am – 8 pm) | Email: [email protected] https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-upper-smith-fire
August 30, 2026

Northern Idaho Blue Team – Incident Commander Bryce Barth, Scott Drake (T)
Location: 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, ID

Upper Smith
Start Date: 7/8/2026
Containment: 36%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 4,713 acres

Parker Lake
Start Date: 8/23/2026
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 1,309 acres

Border
Start Date: 8/25/2026
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 43 acres

Resources: 141 Personnel | 3 Hand Crew | 4 Engines | 3 Helicopters | 2 Dozer | 4 Water Tenders | 2 Ambulance

KEY MESSAGE: The Northern Idaho Blue Team is managing the Upper Smith, Parker Lake, and Border fires.

CURRENT STATUS AND PLANNED ACTIONS:
Rain and cool weather overnight is moderating fire activity. The Upper Smith and Border fires were quiet Saturday. Some limited areas of heat received aerial water drops to restrain fire spread. The Parker Lake fire saw modest growth toward the Upper Smith fire. The objectives are to keep the Parker Lake fire southeast of Long Canyon Creek and north of Parker Ridge and the Border fire within its current footprint.

UPPER SMITH
Minimal to moderate fire activity and growth is expected into Sunday. Ground and aerial resources continue to monitor and patrol previously contained lines into Smith Creek and along Westside Road. Fire growth has been slowed with aerial water drops along the 2015 Parker Ridge fire scar.

PARKER LAKE
The fire experienced minimal growth Saturday with low to moderate fire activity. Minimal growth expected through Sunday. The fire is moving north/northeast towards the Upper Smith fire. The Parker Lake and Upper Smith fires are expected to merge in the next few days unless a major cooling weather event occurs. When available, aerial resources continue to moderate fire progression. Equipment and hand crews continue to improve the FSR 2443C to access and protect private and industrial timber grounds to the west in the event fire compromises Long Canyon Creek.

BORDER
This fire stayed within its footprint Saturday. Crews, engines and a dozer continued direct fire line. The dozer work was completed. Crews were pulled from direct line due to afternoon high winds; work will continue as conditions allow.

WEATHER: Temperatures today will be like Saturday with highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s, resulting in higher relative humidity with afternoon minimums in the 50 percent range. Expect breezy winds in the afternoon across ridgetops and terrain-driven winds Sunday night. Temperatures will begin to rise 8 to 10 degrees early in the week.

EVACUATIONS: Parker, Copeland, Smith Creek, and Westside zones remain at READY status. For more information, visit: https://www.boundarysheriff.org.

CLOSURES: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect for the Priest Lake, Sandpoint, and Bonners Ferry Ranger Districts through the end of the year, unless rescinded. For more information, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-upper-smith-fire.
Closures are in place for Smith Creek Road, Long Canyon Trail, Parker Ridge Trail, Fisher Peak Trail, and Pyramid Pass Trail. The public is strongly encouraged to avoid Westside Road north of Copeland Road. Information regarding the closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/alerts.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Upper Smith Fire. No drones: If you fly, we can’t.

💙THANK YOU BONNERS FERRY FOR SUPPORTING OUR FIRE FIGHTERS 💙

Photo 1 Description: Upper Smith, Parker Lake, and Border fire daily map.
Photo 2 Description: Fire personnel with Thank You Banner made by citizens of Bonners Ferry ID.

🔥Silver Fire Update 🔥Idaho Panhandle National ForestsFire Information 208-557-8813https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-...
08/29/2026

🔥Silver Fire Update 🔥
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Fire Information 208-557-8813
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-silver-fire
August 29, 2026

Type 3 Organization, Incident Commander Ken Homik
Location: In the headwaters of the Pack River, on Silver Dollar Peak
Start Date: 08/23/2026
Cause: Natural - Lighting
Size: 2,325 Acres
Containment: 0%
Resources: 55 Total Personnel; 2 Handcrews; 1 Engine, 1 Helicopter

KEY MESSAGE:
The Silver Fire is actively burning in extremely steep, rocky terrain in the upper Pack River valley, crossing the Beehive Lake Trail to the north and is approaching the Chimney Rock Trail to the south. Fire spread is occurring through individual and group tree torching, sending spots ahead of the fire. Indirect suppression strategies are being developed, and aircraft are checking fire spread where there is a high probability of success. An expanded Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered for the Silver Fire and will be taking command of the fire Sunday morning.

CURRENT STATUS:
Crews are reducing ladder fuels along the Pack River Road and continue to assess fire movement, strengthen confinement lines, and engage directly only when conditions allow for safe and effective operations. Values at risk include the Myrtle Creek Watershed, recreation infrastructure, private lands, timber resources, and the safety of nearby communities and first responders.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Today’s weather will bring dry and breezy west-southwest winds 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Temperatures will be cooler and slightly elevated relative humidity as a cold front passes. Cooler temperatures will persist into Sunday with good to excellent overnight humidity recovery. Winds and topography will influence fire behavior.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
Due to increased fire activity on the Silver Fire, an emergency barricade is in place on the Upper Pack River Road (FSR #231) at its intersection with FSR #293 (the Pack River Snowmobile Parking). There is an interagency effort underway to close trail access into the area to provide for public safety. Visitors should avoid these areas and remain aware of the potential for changing conditions. Please drive cautiously and yield to fire personnel who will be engaged in fire suppression in the area.

Idaho Department of Lands Temporary Road and Trail Closure Due to Silver Fire: https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/IDLANDS-4271ffa?wgt_ref=IDLANDS_WIDGET_555

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Silver Fire. If you fly, we can't. Violations may result in civil fines up to $75,000 per violation, criminal fines up to $100,000, and up to one year in federal prison.

Courtesy Photo USFS
Silver Fire single tree torching 08/28/2026
Silver Fire Map 08/29/2026

🔥 Upper Smith, Parker Lake, and Border Fires Update🔥Idaho Panhandle National ForestsFire Information Phone: 208-295-5495...
08/29/2026

🔥 Upper Smith, Parker Lake, and Border Fires Update🔥
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Fire Information Phone: 208-295-5495 (8 am – 8 pm)

Northern Idaho Blue Team – Incident Commander Bryce Barth, Scott Drake (T)
Location: 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, ID

Upper Smith
Start Date: 7/8/2026
Containment: 36%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 4,667 acres

Parker Lake
Start Date: 8/23/2026
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 937 acres

Border
Start Date: 8/25/2026
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 35 acres

Combined Resources: 145 Personnel | 3 Hand Crew | 5 Engines | 3 Helicopters | 2 Dozer | 4 Water Tenders | 1 Ambulance

KEY MESSAGE: The Northern Idaho Blue Team is now managing the Upper Smith, Parker Lake, and Border fires.

CURRENT STATUS AND PLANNED ACTIONS:
The Upper Smith fire was quiet Friday with limited areas of heat. The Parker Lake fire was active, continuing growth toward the Upper Smith fire. Potential is growing for the two fires to merge. Friday, the Border fire received substantial aerial response in efforts to keep the fire as small as possible. Additional resources arrived yesterday in support of this incident.

UPPER SMITH
Minimal to moderate fire activity and growth is expected today into Sunday. Ground and aerial resources continue to monitor and patrol previously contained lines into Smith Creek and along Westside Road. Fire spread is being moderated by aerial resources as the fire moves across the Parker Ridge fire scar from 2015. The objective is to keep the fire north of Parker Ridge.

PARKER LAKE
Moderate fire activity and growth is expected today into Sunday. The fire is moving north/northeast towards the Upper Smith fire. The Parker Lake and Upper Smith fires are expected to merge in the next few days unless a major cooling weather event occurs. Aerial resources will continue to moderate the fires’ progression. The objective is to keep this fire south of Long Canyon Creek and north of Parker Ridge. Equipment and hand crews will continue improving the 2443C Road for access and protections to private and industrial timber grounds to the west in the event fire compromises Long Canyon Creek.

BORDER
The Northern Idaho Blue Team assumed management of the Border fire today at 7 a.m. Crews, engines and a dozer will continue direct fire line today with support of aviation resources as needed.

WEATHER: Temperatures will continue to trend cooler into Saturday. The cooler temperature will result in higher relative humidity, with breezy southwesterly winds up to 18 mph.

EVACUATIONS: Parker, Copeland, Smith Creek, and Westside zones remain at READY status. For more information, visit: https://www.boundarysheriff.org.

CLOSURES: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect for the Priest Lake, Sandpoint, and Bonners Ferry Ranger Districts starting Friday, August 7th, at 12:01 am through the end of the year, unless rescinded. For more information, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-upper-smith-fire.
Closures are in place for Smith Creek Road, Long Canyon Trail, Parker Ridge Trail, Fisher Peak Trail, and Pyramid Pass Trail. The public is strongly encouraged to avoid Westside Road north of Copeland Road. Information regarding the closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/alerts.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Upper Smith Fire. No drones: If you fly, we can’t.

Photo 1 Description: Upper Smith, Parker Lake, and Border fire daily map.
Photo 2 Description: Fire crew from Groveland, CA receives a geographical orientation for the Upper Smith fire. Photo provided by FFT2's Rowan Mathiasen and Johnny Kelly.

Address

3232 West Nursery Road
Coeur D'alene, ID
83815

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12087657223

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