Island Creek Fire now at 10,000 acres, Selway Road Closure still in effect
The Island Creek Fire, which started on July 31 due to lightning, has expanded to 10,743 acres, resulting in the ongoing closure of Selway River Road. Firefighters have ramped up their response, focusing on protecting structures and establishing fuel breaks along FSR 464 and FSR 443 roads. Kamiah's air quality has reached hazardous levels, with reports indicating "very unhealthy" conditions. In addition to the Island Creek Fire, the Mire Fire has grown to 1,000 acres, burning along the Clearwater-Idaho counties border. The East Fire, located 20 miles northwest of Powell, has reached 860 acres.
Meanwhile, the Sunset Fire prompted "go" evacuation orders, which were downgraded to "set" on Monday after affecting areas east of Lake Pend Oreille. These incidents highlight the escalating wildfire risks in northern Idaho, necessitating increased firefighting resources and public safety measures. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest continues to monitor and manage these fires closely.