Fire fighters continue Harper's Bend mop up

Fire fighters continue mop up operations on the Harper's Bend Fire one mile west of Peck, according to Mary Fritz, Idaho Department of Lands.

The fire is 90 percent contained tonight and full containment is expected Saturday, Sept. 10. A patrol will monitor the fire during the night. Tomorrow, three crews will continue mop up and patrol focusing on the southeast and eastern flanks, she said. With field reconnaissance of the area the size was adjusted to 310 acres.

One fire fighter received minor injuries Thursday when they fell in the steep terrain and hurt their shoulder. They were taken to Clearwater Valley Hospital for care.

The passing cold front today brought winds of 10-15 miles per hour; however, the control lines remain secure. Structures adjacent to the fire are considered secure. There were 147 personnel on the fire today with five engines and four water tenders. Dozers that had been on the fire were released last night and two helicopters were available, according to Fritz.

The fire is in Idaho Department of Lands jurisdiction. In addition to IDL, crews from Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Idaho Correctional Institution, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Nez Perce Tribe, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Nez Perce County, Rural Fire Districts and private contractors have been on the fire.

The cause of the fire that started Tuesday near the Clearwater River is still under investigation, Fritz said.

Photo: Rusty Eck took this photo of the Harper's Bend fire from the air.