Wildfires burning in Cabinet Mountains

Smokejumpers and aerial water tankers are fighting two small wildfires in the Lightning Creek drainage near Hope, Idaho, both apparently ignited by an electrical storm that passed across Bonner County Wednesday night, the Forest Service said.

The fires, one estimated at eight acres and the other at less than one acre, were burning in a drainage in the Cabinet Mountains about six miles northeast of Hope. Eight smokejumpers based in Missoula jumped the fires just after noon Friday, the Forest Service said. Three helicopters and three single-engine aerial tankers also were dispatched to drop water and retardant on the fires.

Greg Hetzler of the Sandpoint Ranger District warned campers in the area to be careful with fires, noting the fire danger is now considered high and that hot weather and winds are expected to continue through the weekend.

Fire permits continue to be issued for much of North Idaho.

“The risk is starting to get to a point where we are concerned about it,” said Mike Denney, with the Idaho Department of Lands.

The agency requires burn permits for burning yard debris and slash piles. Additional restrictions are being placed on the permits to ensure safety. Campfires do not require a burn permit, but they are illegal on windy days or where nearby flammable material is at risk, Denney said.

The Department of Lands is surveying local fire districts to determine when to stop issuing burn permits.

“It’s going to be very soon,” Denney said.

No burning is allowed in Spokane County, not even with a written permit, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Campfires are only allowed in approved campgrounds.