Fire near Spirit Lake burns 40 acres

SPIRIT LAKE — A fire estimated at 40 to 45 acres near Spirit Lake is expected to be contained this afternoon, according to the Department of Lands.

The IDL is being assisted by a 20-person crew from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.

A helicopter was still working the fire about 3 p.m. today.

Fire crews began battling the blaze Friday and into the evening and it burned a reported 20 acres before aerial water efforts reduced it, which allowed crews on the ground to make more progress.

While some cabins were evacuated near the southwest end of lake, the no homes were damaged.

Smoke filled the air over Spirit Lake in the early afternoon as the town celebrated the Fourth of July.

Those recreating on Spirit Lake are reminded to watch for the helicopter and stay clear, IDL wrote on its Facebool page.