9/06/2015 Kaniksu Complex Fire Update

The Kaniksu Complex, which consists of the Tower Fire and six smaller fires, has a total acreage of 26,175 and a containment of 40 percent as of 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.

Recreationalists and hunters should be aware that there are still restrictions in place on both the Colville and Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Please check with local ranger districts for more information.



Due to weather and safety concerns, crews were delayed from heading out to the fireline Saturday morning. After an evaluation by fire managers, crews returned to the line to continue with mop-up, hazard tree removal and reinforcing line. Weather moderated fire behavior, allowing firefighters to gain ground on fires within the complex. More rain was expected but only 0.37 inches was recorded by 6:00 p.m. along with cooler temperatures. The rain is predicted to continue into Sunday, with an increase in winds. The rain will reduce the potential for fire spread and flare-ups, but will also pose difficult work conditions for firefighters due to slippery roads, cold, wet weather and falling hazards from weakened trees. Warmer and more seasonal conditions are expected to return by mid-week.

Here is a roundup of fire activity:



 Tower Fire: 24,296 acres, 35% containment.
Located 6 miles northeast of Usk, Wash., and 6 miles west of Priest Lake, Idaho. Crews continued mop up where they could, removing fallen trees and clearing roadways. Crews patrolled sections of line reinforcing containment.

 Onata Creek Fire: 546 acres, 91% containment. Located about 8 miles east/southeast of Ione, Wash. Onata didn’t receive as much rain, allowing hand crews to continue mop up hot spots. Dozers were used to break up berms along firelines.

 Grease Creek Fire: 611 acres. Located east of Sullivan Lake. Road conditions prevented crews from reaching the fire Saturday.

 Hall Mountain Fire: 39 acres. Located on Hall Mountain. Currently in patrol status.

 Slate Creek and South Fork Slate Creek Trail fires: 1 acre and 167 acres respectively. Located near the northwest boundary of Salmo-Priest Wilderness. A crew hiked into the South Fork Slate Creek Trail Fire and started construction of hand line.

 Baldy Fire: 515 acres, 100% containment. Located 6 miles north of Ione, Wash. Currently in patrol status.

Current Resources:

The number of personnel on the fire is 791. Resources include: 14 crews, 24 engines, 3 helicopters, 13 dozers, 6 water tenders, 1 Air Attack, 1 skidgen, 3 Blackhawk helicopters for medical transport and a variety of fire management and support personnel at the incident base.