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Record heat has resulted in moderately increased fire behavior on both fires this week, with smoke visible from the Thompson Falls area. The management strategy and objectives have not changed, and suppression resources will be utilized where needed to confine the fires or conduct point zone protection on any private values in the area.
 
Bear Gulch Fire

Location: Approximately 6 miles east of Murray, Idaho | Size: approx. 50 acres | Cause: Lightning

Current Status: The Bear Gulch Fire was caused by lightning and confirmed on August 18th. It is within a mile of the Idaho/Montana state line near Maple Peak in the Bear Gulch drainage. The fire is in steep, rugged terrain, making access difficult. Crews are currently working on helispot construction and gaining access to the fire. The firefighting strategy will be to monitor, confine, and contain. Crews will utilize natural features such as rockslides to help slow the fire's spread. Moderate activity is likely to occur as it transitions from northern to southern aspects until a season-ending event.

Columbus Fire

Location: Approximately 6 miles northeast of Murray, Idaho | Size: approx. 75 acres | Cause: Lightning 

Current Status: The Columbus Fire is likely a lightning holdover from previous thunderstorms. It was confirmed on August 22nd. It is close to the Idaho/Montana state line near the Columbus Creek drainage in the headwaters of the East Fork of Eagle Creek. The Columbus Fire is in steep, rugged terrain, making access difficult. The fire is being managed under a monitor, confine, and point zone protection strategy.

Closures: Wildfires pose inherent risks, with the potential for rapidly changing conditions, fire behavior, and fire spread that produces smoke, snags, and rolling rocks and logs. Please avoid the following areas as they are hazardous and may be inaccessible due to suppression activities: Trail 148 along Casper Creek, Trail 7 from the intersection with Trail 774 to Thompson Pass, Trail 1107 near the state line, Trail 763 near the state line, Forest Service Road 938, FSR 430 and FSR 604CZ.

When living in fire-prone areas, it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan, including having all essential documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and quickly transportable.

Fire Behavior: While seasonal conditions such as continued drying and lower live fuel moistures may cause increased fire behavior, shortened day length and good humidity recovery at night may help to moderate it.