Diamond Watch Fire
Fact Sheet
8/15/2022

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8264/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF
Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Priest Lake Ranger District
Phone: (208) 557-8813

Location: 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID in Pend Oreille County, WA 

Size: 391 acres               Personnel: 34                 Containment: 0%

 
Incident Commander: ICT4 Hirst 

 
Current Status: The Diamond Watch Fire detected on the evening of July 14th, was started by lightning and is visible from ID Highway 57 near Nordman ID in the Priest Lake area, drivers are cautioned not to stop on the highway in the fire area.  The fire is located 5.5 miles due west of Nordman, ID, and is burning on a ridge to the east of Diamond Peak in Pend Oreille County, WA.  Recent growth was mapped with an infrared flight and the fire is currently at 391 acres, most of the heat is showing on the south slope of the ridge.  

 
Planned Actions: Crews have been successful in utilizing heavy machinery to improve FSR 308 by removing excess fuel from roadsides which will support holding and containment of the fire. Fire is backing towards FSR 308, which is being utilized as a containment line.  This fire activity, along with the use of heavy equipment, has prompted the closure of the area as firefighters continue suppression work on the fire.  Handline construction is occurring at the head of Diamond Creek and firefighters are also utilizing natural barriers such as ridges and creeks. Crews work to keep fire from crossing FSR 657 and have placed a sprinkler system on the northern edges of the fire, which is working to keep the fire out of the adjacent timber units.

  
Objectives: The safety of firefighters and the public is the primary objective.  Fire managers are using a confine strategy, with management action points in place to quickly respond to changes in the fire.  Suppression activities are occurring where they have the greatest probability of success while limiting exposure to firefighting resources. 

Closures & Evacuations: An area and road closure has been issued, effective for Forest Service Roads 311, 308 and 1362H and the area in the vicinity of the Diamond Watch Fire.  Petit Lake and its associated dispersed campsites are within the area closure.  FSR 1362 remains open.  This closure is for public safety due to heavy equipment operations and wildfire effects of the Diamond Watch Fire, and prohibits all methods of travel (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and area (see Closure Map).  The best access to the Priest Lake area from the Colville National Forest will be through Newport, WA via US Highway 2 north and Priest River, ID via ID Highway 57 north.  There are NO evacuations currently in place.  However, when living in fire prone areas it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan in place including having all important documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and easily transportable.  Residents of Bonner County, ID or Pend Oreille, WA can visit https://www.nixle.com or text home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts.