ATHOL, ID — The Sunset Fire, burning on the western slope of Lake Pend Oreille northeast of Athol, is currently 66% contained, according to Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5. The fire, which began on August 13, 2025, has burned 3,230 acres and is under investigation.

Incident Commander Joe Sampson said crews are securing firelines, performing mop-up operations, and extinguishing residual heat along the perimeter. Helicopters continue to support ground crews with water delivery, reconnaissance, and mapping. Demobilization of resources no longer needed has begun.

Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal, limited to smoldering and creeping, as cooler temperatures in the 70s, 40% humidity, and light scattered showers move through the area. Thunderstorms are possible later in the week, with a drying trend forecasted for the weekend.

All mandatory “GO” evacuations for the Sunset Fire have been lifted by the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, though some roads in the Talache area remain on “SET” status. Residents are reminded the forest remains closed to the public, and open burning in fire-affected areas of Sagle is prohibited. Law enforcement continues to man checkpoints to restrict access to previously evacuated areas.

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests have closed National Forest Service lands along the western shore of Lake Pend Oreille, from Camp Bay south to Three Sisters Horizontal Control Station and extending west to Three Sisters Creek, northeast to Hickman Creek, and east to Sagle Road. Maiden Rock Campground remains closed until further notice.

For the latest evacuation updates, residents can sign up for Bonner County Nixle alerts by texting 888777 and entering their zip code.

A total of 596 personnel remain on the fire line as Northern Rockies Team 5 coordinates with the local North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team. Command of the incident will transfer to the local team Saturday evening.