A 200 acre fire is burning 8 miles east of Thompson Falls and a mile north of Highway 200 on the Plains-Thompson Ranger District. No structures are currently threatened by the Copper King Fire, but the fire is visible from Highway 200. Officials are asking motorists to avoid the area if possible, and not stop on the highway to view the fire.
Two helicopters and two air tankers have been providing suppression support on the fire, and a type-2 incident team has been ordered and is expected to take command of the fire.
Firefighters plan to continue air operations to check the growth of the fire. They warn that some closures are likely in the next 24 hours to allow for safe firefighting operations in the area.
