Portions of Ulm fire area open

SMELTERVILLE, Idaho – The Coeur d’Alene Ranger District has reopened the southern-most portion of the Ulm Peak Fire area to the public. The rest of the fire area, most of which was closed in late August, remains closed.

The area south and east of Cabin Creek and to the east of Forest Road 412, bounded by Forest Road 151, is open to travel. Visitors will be allowed to camp within 500 feet of either side of the Forest Road 412 within the closure area.

The portion of the fire area that remains closed includes the area north and west of Cabin Creek, east of Forest Road 412, south of Forest Road 992 and inclusive of Forest Road 430 south of the junction with Forest Road 2273. The restrictions are inclusive of the Idaho-Montana State Line.

Fire officials say that the closure in the northern portion of the Ulm Peak Fire area is necessary for public safety due to the presence of some active fire and heavy equipment use.

The lightning-caused fire, detected Aug. 18, burned about 4,985 acres, mostly on the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Some fire spread into Montana.

The fire is about 15 miles north of Prichard in the Shoshone Creek area. The fire could remain active in some areas within its perimeter and may continue to produce smoke until fall rain and snow extinguish it.

Hunters and other visitors may contact the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District at (208) 783-2363 for local condition updates.