POTLATCH, ID – The White Pine Fire, located 14 miles northeast of Potlatch on the Palouse Ranger District, has grown to 1,045 acres and remains 10% contained, according to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The fire, which began August 31, is being treated as the top priority due to values at risk, including private property, timber sales, Highway 6, and recreation areas.

As of September 15, 451 personnel are assigned to the incident under Incident Commander Mike Behrens. Fire suppression efforts were briefly paused Sunday due to up to a half-inch of rainfall, which created safety hazards for crews. The precipitation has moderated the fire’s behavior and allowed firefighters to work directly on the fire’s edge in several areas.

Crews continue mop-up operations, building additional firelines, and using sprinklers where needed. Heavy equipment is being used to improve access routes northeast of the fire for potential contingency lines. Firefighters are also removing hazard trees, particularly cedar snags, which pose safety risks due to shallow roots and burned or rotten interiors.

Fire behavior recently has included creeping and smoldering in unburned interior fuels. Forecasts predict isolated morning showers Monday with temperatures dropping to the mid-60s, while east winds up to 15 mph on Tuesday may pose safety concerns and could increase fire activity.

With fall hunting and recreation underway, closures remain in effect. Giant White Pine and Laird Park Camp are closed, and road and trail closures prohibit access within the fire area. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place for a 10-mile radius around the fire to ensure safe operations for firefighting aircraft.

Latah County continues a SET evacuation status for areas surrounding the fire, which has been in effect since September 1