Firefighters continue making steady progress on of Greer Fire

GREER - Firefighters continue making steady progress on the Greer Fire burning along State Highway 11 (Greer Grade Road), according to North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team.

An infrared flight conducted Saturday mapped the fire at 353 acres. The fire remains 0% contained.

The North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team has assumed command of the fire. Currently there are 177 personnel assigned to the incident, including hand crews, engines, dozers, water tenders and overhead personnel. Aircraft remain available to support ground resources as weather and fire conditions allow.

The Idaho Transportation Department has reopened Highway 11 to one lane of traffic with a pilot car escort. Motorists should expect delays and remain alert for firefighters and heavy equipment working along the roadway. Please follow all posted signs and directions from traffic control personnel.

Monday's operational objectives are to complete containment line around the fire perimeter and continue protecting affected homes and infrastructure. Firefighters will continue working where conditions allow to strengthen and connect containment lines while improving access for suppression operations.

The fire is burning in timbered drainages and pockets of timber and brush, with additional fire activity occurring in agricultural fields and timber stringers on the surrounding plateaus. Access to portions of the fire remains limited due to steep, rugged terrain. Firefighters are carefully assessing hazards and adjusting tactics to safely engage the fire. Thick blackberry brambles, poison ivy and rocky slopes continue to make suppression efforts challenging. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priorities as crews work toward containment objectives.

Hot, dry weather and gusty winds will continue to challenge suppression efforts. Forecasted thunderstorms over the next several days may produce strong, erratic outflow winds capable of increasing fire activity, even where little rainfall occurs. Firefighters will continue monitoring changing weather conditions and adapting tactics as needed.

Recreationists on the Clearwater River are asked to avoid the confluence of Highway 11 and Highway 12, where helicopters may be using the river to refill during firefighting operations. Please move safely to the shoreline when aircraft are operating and avoid impeding their access. Delays in aviation operations can directly affect firefighters working on the ground.

There are no evacuation orders at this time. The public is reminded to remain vigilant and stay informed, as fire conditions can change rapidly.

Cooperating agencies include Orofino Fire Department, Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Clearwater Power and the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.