Highway 55 and Banks-Lowman Road are slated to reopen tonight following containment efforts on the Mile Marker 81 Fire near the Kootenai County-Valley County border in the Idaho Panhandle. The fire, which burned approximately 330 acres, has been held with no further acreage growth as crews completed critical line construction and burnout operations.
Firefighters brought the fire down to the highway on both sides of the roadway and have been working to extinguish remaining hot spots and monitor steep terrain in the area. One firefighting crew is expected to be released Friday, and containment of the fire is anticipated by noon that day.
What to Expect Friday
During daylight hours Friday, drivers should expect possible one-lane traffic restrictions on both Highway 55 and Banks-Lowman Road, with pilot car escort service. Heavy equipment may be operating on or near the roadway as cleanup and final suppression efforts continue.
Transition to Reduced Operations
The incident is transitioning to a Type 4 incident command structure Saturday morning, indicating a shift to smaller-scale management as the fire enters its final suppression and monitoring phase. The reduced operations will allow crews to complete mop-up work while maintaining safety on the reopened corridors.
Travelers on Highway 55 between McCall and Cascade should monitor road conditions Friday before departing, as temporary delays are possible during the transition period. The reopening of both routes will restore full connectivity through the central Idaho Panhandle after the fire’s brief but significant impact on regional transportation.