High winds pose hazard to recreationists near region’s numerous wildfires

Updated 8-30-15 with link to news of Clearwater-Nez Perce closures and update on Idaho Panhandle closures.

WILDFIRES — Be careful out there.  High winds forecast for Saturday pose a major hazard to people in the vicinity of the numerous wildfires throughout the region.

I’ve listed in my blog this morning’s updates on many of the fires and fire complexes.  I’m not going to do this on a daily basis, but I’ve given the InciWeb and mapping links to help you monitor the fires that interest you the most.

• For mapping updates, see the Wildfire Activity Web Map .

On the bright side , U.S. 20 (the North Cascades Highway), which has been closed by fires west of Twisp for two weeks, could possibly reopen at noon on Sunday, Department of Transportation officials said today.

Check with the North Cascades Highway Hotline, (360)707-5055, for the latest updates on SR 20.

Following are links to recent posts with updates on many of the region’s fires and details on trails and road closures.

• NEW! Clark Fork Complex fires expand to 14,800 acres; all Idaho Panhandle closures listed
• NEW! Graves Mountain fire transfers to Kettle Complex as other Colville Complex fires nearly contained
• NEW! Clearwater-Nez Perce close most of forest as winds whip up fires
• NEW! Snow Peak Complex fires block access to St. Joe areas, Mallard-Larkins
• Huge swath of Idaho Panhandle north of I-90 to close Sunday
• Clearwater-Nez Perce fires at 80,000 acres, growing
• Grizzly Bear Fires expand to 72,000 acres; Wenaha wilderness closed
• Kettle Complex fires at 62,000 acres; some roads, trails closed
• Carpenter Road fire expands to 55,900 acres in Stevens County, Spokane Reservation
• North Star fire bearing down on Republic area, Nespelem
• Kaniksu Complex fires up to 18,500 acres, but Priest Lake open for business
• Parker Ridge fire expanding toward U.S.-Canada border
• Essex evacuated, but most of Glacier Park open to recreation
• Lake Roosevelt boating areas closed by fire danger
• 18 miles of main Salmon River closed; rafters evacuated
• Colville National Forest closes areas to public access
• Hunters, hikers must be flexible during wild wildfire season