Colville eases more fire closures

WILDFIRES — Although some national forest wildfire-related access closures remain in place throughout the region as fires or firefighting mop up continue, a portion of the Tower Fire northeast of Newport, WA. has been lifted, according to the Colville National Forest.

The area south of Browns Lake, including Skookum and Kings lakes areas, was opened Wednesday to public access.

Browns Lake will remain closed to public access into winter because of fire-related hazards.

The burned area to the north and east that includes the eastern/upper portion of Cee Cee Ah Creek and Mill Creek Roads remain closed to public access because of unstable road conditions and the risk of falling burned snags along the roadway.

Fires are still actively burning in some areas. The east side of the Tower Fire closure remains in place, administered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Trails and roads leading into the interior of burned areas will remain closed to public access through the winter to allow time for winter snow to fully extinguish the fires and bring down any additional loose trees damaged by wildfire.

Hunters and other recreationists should check forest websites and maps before venturing into the woods to check for area, road and trail closures throughout Eastern Washington and Idaho.