Fire threatens structures

A fast-moving wildfire has raced across nearly 8 square miles of dry grassland and scrub brush west of Nespelem in northcentral Washington. The fire is reportedly threatening about 40 structures.

Nearby residents say the fire started Thursday morning.

Washington state, local and Colville Indian Reservation firefighters have responded.

The fire is burning in Okanogan County, but the Ferry County Sheriff’s Office says it has blown smoke into western Ferry County.

Region

Wildfire warning issued for area

The National Weather Service has issued a “red flag warning” because of the wildfire danger in parts of Eastern Washington.

It covers the region including Colville, Spokane, Yakima, Tri-Cities and Walla Walla, as well as parts of Eastern Oregon and the Idaho Panhandle. Forecasters say there’s a chance of lightning through Saturday afternoon.

Clarkia, Idaho

Number capped of garnet hunters

Large numbers of visitors at the Emerald Creek Garnet Area have prompted the U.S. Forest Service to limit permits there to 170 a day.

The daily limit will help manage the flow of visitors to the garnet-hunting site, ensuring that everyone has a chance to access the gravel piles and try their hand at sluicing, said Chuck Mark, St. Joe District ranger on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Recent press coverage has boosted visitation to the site, Mark said. The Emerald Creek Garnet Area’s hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Tuesday. Daily permits are $10 for individuals 13 and older; and $5 for ages 6 to 12 years. Children under 6 are free.

Call ahead on Saturdays and Sundays at (208) 245-1134 to check availability.

Athol, Idaho

Silverwood ride reopens

Silverwood Theme Park’s newest roller coaster reopened at 11 a.m. Thursday with no problems after a safety sensor was triggered Wednesday night, stalling the ride full of passengers for a short time. The riders were on the second tower, facing up, for about 10 minutes, said Mark Robitaille, the park’s public relations and event manager.

A safety sensor was tripped between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday. As a precaution, maintenance crews stalled the ride, Robitaille said. No one was hurt.

A casing from one of the safety sensors fell off the ride, officials said.

“We don’t consider this a real problem, just a tripped sensor,” Robitaille said. “Our main concern is the safety of the riders.”