Prescribed burns to start in Upper CdA River area

PUBLIC LANDS — Hikers and anglers need to be aware that the Forest Service will begin prescribed burning in the Upper Coeur d’Alene River area starting Sunday, May 3.  Here’s the notice from the Idaho Panhandle National Forests:

Beginning on Sunday, May 3, 2015 firefighters from the Idaho Panhandle National forest plan to conduct a series of prescribed fires totaling 500 to 1,000 acres. The prescribed fires will be located in the upper reaches of the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River near Tee Pee Creek, the Coeur d’Alene River Trail, Spion Kop and Pond Peak. Depending on weather conditions, ignitions are expected to begin on Sunday and continue through Monday with lingering smoke and hot spots likely to remain in the area for several additional days. Signs will be posted along local roads and members of the public are urged to avoid the burn areas as ignition will take place very quickly using a helicopter . Forest Service firefighters will continue to monitor the burned areas until the fires are completely out.

The purpose of these prescribed fires is to reduce the risk of significant wildfire and to improve the quality, quantity and distribution of big game browse. Specific locations for the burn units include West Elk, Spion Kop, Cinnamon, Taft, Wilson and Gold Creeks.

See more info at Idaho Panhandle National Forest Website .