ATHOL, ID – The Sunset Fire, burning on the western slope of Lake Pend Oreille northeast of Athol, has reached 75% containment, according to Northern Rockies Team 5, Incident Commander Joe Sampson. The fire, which began on August 13, 2025, has burned 3,230 acres, and the cause remains under investigation.

Officials announced that the Idaho Panhandle National Forest has rescinded the area closure, allowing public access to previously restricted sections. Command of the incident will transfer Saturday evening from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5 to the local North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Firefighters will continue securing and mopping up firelines along the fire perimeter. On the western and northern flanks, crews are removing pumps, hoselays, and sprinklers that are no longer needed, including those previously used for structure protection. Helicopters are supporting ground crews with water delivery, cargo backhaul, reconnaissance, aerial supervision, and heat detection.

Incident officials note that a glow from residual heat may be visible in the evenings and overnight, though there is currently no threat to constructed firelines or fire progression.

Weather conditions for the area include afternoon temperatures in the low 80s, decreasing cloud cover, minimum relative humidity in the low 30s, and light northern winds under 10 mph. There is a small chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Minimal fire activity, including smoldering and creeping, is expected as heavy fuels continue to burn within the fire perimeter.

A total of 514 personnel are assigned to the incident, which continues to be monitored to ensure the safety of both firefighters and the public.