IDAHO COUNTY, ID – Fire activity on the Post Fire has significantly diminished following overnight thunderstorms and continued precipitation in the Lochsa River corridor. Fire managers now estimate the blaze is 81% contained, with updated mapping reducing the total acreage to 144.
Located 14 miles west of Powell Junction on the steep, rocky north side of U.S. Highway 12, the Post Fire has been burning since June 10 and has drawn considerable suppression resources to protect the corridor, a vital route for tourism and commerce in North Idaho and Western Montana.
As fire behavior declines, crews are transitioning to mop-up and demobilization. Firefighters began removing unused equipment Thursday, with helicopters hauling sling loads from a helispot on the north flank. This backhaul effort will continue as weather allows. With control lines holding and additional rain forecasted through the weekend, several hotshot and initial attack crews have been released for assignment to other wildfires in the region.
Nightly unmanned aerial system (UAS) flights have reported decreasing heat in the interior, further confirming the fire’s reduced activity. Firefighters are now focused on securing perimeters and extinguishing remaining hot spots, aided by cooler temperatures and steady rainfall.
The fire has not grown in size, but acreage was revised downward from 151 to 144 acres after ground crews walked the perimeter with GPS equipment to provide a more accurate measurement.
A thunderstorm from northeastern Oregon delivered overnight rain and helped suppress visible smoke along the fire’s edge. Scattered showers are expected through Sunday, with up to a half-inch of rain possible each day. Fire officials say this moisture will continue to moderate fire behavior, though temperatures are expected to warm again by Monday.
Highway 12 remains open, and there are no forest area closures. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is still in place over a six-mile radius around the fire’s northwest corner.
For official fire information and updates, visit InciWeb or contact 208-823-8586.
