County fires now called Kootenai River Complex

September 3, 2022

By Joshua Baker
U.S. Forest Service

Russell Mountain Fire

As of 5 p.m. Friday, the Eneas Peak, Katka, Russell Mountain, Scotch Creek, and Trout Fires have officially been grouped into the Kootenai River Complex. Last night, an infrared detection flight checked the status of existing fires. The Kootenai River Complex has grown 1,547 acres with most growth occurring on the Trout, Russell Mountain, and Scotch Creek Fires. Fire managers continue to assess opportunities to utilize aviation resources to prevent all four fires within the Selkirk Mountains from impacting private land and homes to the east.

This morning, the Eneas Peak Fire was at 1,177 acres, the Trout Fire at 1,059 acres, the Russell Mountain Fire at 3,650 acres and the Scotch Fire at 1,063 acres. The Katka Fire remains listed at 35 acres and the overall Kootenai River Complex stands at 6,984 acres.

Engines are working along Westside road to protect private homes, and crews will continue the work into the night. Crews and aviation continue suppression actions on the Katka Fire. Additional resources have been ordered to assist the District. A Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team will assume command of the fire tomorrow

Due to fire suppression activities and active fires we advise that visitors avoid Ball Creek Road (FSR 432), Trout Creek Road (FSR 634), and trails. Impacted Trails include Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball & Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass Trail (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), and Trout Lake (No. 41), McGinty Ridge Trail (143), Clifty Mountain, and Clifty/Burrow Trail (182).

There are no evacuations currently in place, however, those living on West Side Road closest to Ball Creek, Burton Creek and Clark Creek have been upgraded to ‘set’ fire evacuation status. “Set” is the last stage of readiness before an actual evacuation takes place. If not voluntarily evacuating already, residents in this stage are advised to at least gather their evacuation supplies together or pre-load them into their vehicles to enable a quick exit if evacuation is advised.

When living in fire-prone areas, all residents must have an evacuation plan, including all essential documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets, and be quickly transportable.