WILDFIRES -- Although some national forest wildfire-related access closures remain in place as fires or firefighting mop up continue, a portion of the Tower Fire northeast of Newport, WA. has been lifted today, according to the Colville National Forest, Newport Ranger Station at (509) 447-7300.

The area south of Browns Lake, including the Skookum Lakes and Kings Lake is now open to public access (see attached map).

Browns Lake will remain closed to public access, due to the potential for fire related hazards that pose a threat to public safety.

The burned area to the north and east that includes the eastern/upper portion of Cee Cee Ah Creek and Mill Creek Roads remain closed to public access because of unstable road conditions and the risk of falling burned snags along the roadway. 

There is also a closure in place to the east in Idaho that is administered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Trails and roads leading into the interior of burned areas will remain closed to public access through the winter to allow time for winter snow to fully extinguish the fires and bring down any additional loose trees damaged by wildfire.

Hunters and other recreationists should check forest websites and maps before venturing into the woods throughout the region to check for area, road and trail closures throughout Eastern Washington and Idaho.

• See links to updates on all Washington fires here.
• See links to updates on all Idaho fires here.
• See links to updates on all Montana fires here.

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