Lightning believed to be cause of Idaho Panhandle fires

Firefighters are working to suppress two small blazes on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, which are believed to have been caused by lightning over the weekend.

The 75-acre Buckskin Fire is located on the north side of the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District near Forest Service Road 332. The Peg Leg Fire is located on the St. Joe Ranger District, east of Simmons Creek, and is at approximately 15 acres. Both fires are burning in timber.

The Coeur d’Alene River Ranger district has approximately 50 resources on the Buckskin Fire including a Type 2 initial attack crew, the Idaho Panhandle Hotshots, 10 district firefighters, and two bulldozers. Two crews are assigned on the Peg Leg Fire, a Type 2 initial attack crew and the Flathead Hotshots.

No forest closures are planned at this time, but could occur if the fires spread, officials said. People traveling in the area should be aware of fire traffic on Forest Service Road 332 near Buckskin Saddle.