IDAHO COUNTY, ID – As of Saturday morning, the Post Fire, located 14 miles west of Powell Junction near Highway 12, is now 80 percent contained, according to Northern Rockies Team 5. The wildfire, which began on June 10, has burned 144 acres. The cause remains under investigation.

The fire burned on steep and rocky south-facing slopes on the north side of Highway 12, just west of Post Office Creek in the Lochsa River corridor.  Terrain presented challenges to firefighters, but the primary strategy of stopping the fire’s growth with direct fireline has been achieved.

There are currently 207 personnel assigned to the incident, including one engine, two helicopters, one hotshot crew, and three initial attack modules.

Crews are now finishing mop-up activities and securing fire perimeters around the main fire and two large spot fires. Suppression repair will begin today on contingency lines. Backhaul operations will resume next week when weather permits helicopter sling loads. Fire managers are downsizing personnel as fireline work concludes.

A low-pressure system is expected to bring significantly cooler temperatures and widespread precipitation to the area through the weekend. The fire is forecast to receive several rounds of rain over the next 24 to 48 hours. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal due to wetting conditions, though dense canopy areas may reduce moisture penetration.

A temporary flight restriction remains in place over a six-mile radius around the northwest corner of the fire and will be lifted after backhaul operations are complete. Highway 12 remains open, and there are no Forest closures.