COEUR D’ALENE, ID – Containment efforts on the Nettleton Gulch Fire have made significant progress, with crews reaching 50% containment as of Thursday morning. Fire activity has slowed, and forward progression has stopped, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.

The fire, burning on Forest Service land just south of Canfield Butte in Coeur d’Alene, has been remapped to 23 acres. Crews walked the perimeter Wednesday with updated tools following snag mitigation operations that improved safety around the fire’s edge.

Firefighters have now entered the mop-up phase, using hand tools and water to extinguish remaining hot spots. Approximately 90 personnel remain on scene, supported by four engines, four hand crews, four water tenders, and two Type 1 helicopters on standby. Demobilization of excess resources is underway.

Officials are urging the public to avoid the area and to give right-of-way to firefighting aircraft, especially with increased traffic expected over the holiday weekend. A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over Canfield Mountain, and unauthorized drones or aircraft continue to pose risks to firefighting and law enforcement efforts.

Closures remain in effect for all Forest Service lands, roads, and trails west of Fernan Road (FSR 268), west of FSR 1525 and south of Yellow Banks Creek, and south of Hayden Lake. The closures do not include FSR 268 or 1535.

The fire was first reported on June 29. Its cause remains under investigation by the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office, in coordination with IDL and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). A separate law enforcement investigation is also ongoing; questions regarding that matter should be directed to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

For more updates, visit IDL Fire News Feed or call 208-923-1332.