UPDATE: August 4, 2025 at 10:11 p.m.
The Lightning Creek Fire is now burning 1,900 acres with 0% containment, according to the latest update from the U.S. Forest Service.
UPDATE: August 3, 2025 at 9:06 p.m.
According to the latest data from Idaho Panhandle National Forests, the Lightning Creek Fire is burning 1,562 acres and remains 0% contained.
According to Kary Maddox, Public Information Officer with the U.S. Forest Service, the most recent acreage data came from an infrared scan performed during the late afternoon. Maddox stated that because the scan was taken during the daytime, the reported acreage is likely to change and possibly decrease with additional surveying.
Maddox explained that smoke from the fires emits heat, and during the day, even things like large boulders heated by sunlight can impact readings from the infrared technology.
UPDATE: August 3, 2025 at 5:09 p.m.
The Lightning Creek Fire is currently burning between 600 and 700 acres, and remains at 0% containment, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Officials warned residents in Clark Fork to expect heavy fire personnel traffic in the area, especially on South River Road.
The fire is growing rapidly through the Cougar Fire burn scar, as a result of abundant dead vegetation fuel covering the ground in the area.
The closure of Lighting Creek Road (FSR 419) from Trestle Creek Road (FSR 275) to Regal Creek remains in place, and there is a temporary flight restriction in the area as well.
No evacuation orders have been issued by officials for the Lightning Creek Fire.
SANDPOINT, Idaho – A wildfire, known as the Lightning Creek Fire, is currently burning around 250 acres, the U.S. Forest Service reported.
The fire, which ignited on July 30 about 8 miles northeast of Hope, has been difficult to contain due to challenging terrain and storm weather. These conditions have hindered ground crew access and grounded air support at times, preventing firefighters from establishing a complete fire line around the blaze.
To aid in containment efforts, additional resources have been ordered, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Lighting Creek Road (FSR 419) has been closed from Trestle Creek Road (FSR 275) to Regal Creek. Officials stated there may be additional closures in the area.
Article originally published August 2, 2025 at 6:38 p.m.
