Strychnine Fire show low activity, 60 percent contained

wildfire-graphic

Solid firelines have prevented the Strychnine Fire from growing beyond containment lines for over 6 days in north-central Idaho.

Crews on the 1,000-acre fire northeast of Harvard have been able to cool a significant amount of the fire line with water, while fire activity is minimal, and considered creeping and smoldering.  Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected in the extended forecast, diminishing fire spread.  The blaze is 60 percent contained.

Elsewhere on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, fire crews worked vigorously in their initial attack efforts to stop the spread of several new fires started by lightning on Friday afternoon.  A rapid and forceful response limited the spread of the Big Elk fire north of Elk City to 80 acres.  Fire mangers were concerned about that blaze due to its proximity to the community and its location in the municipal watershed.

The Panther fire along the Magruder Corridor was also caught early and kept to only 3 acres.  Initial attack crews successfully extinguished roughly a dozen fires, and will work again Monday to catch, contain and mop up any new fires that are detected.  (Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service)