The Upper Smith Fire continues to burn in the rugged mountains of northern Idaho's Panhandle, holding at 4,848 acres with 41% containment as of September 25, 2026. The fire is burning in the Smith Creek drainage approximately six miles west of Porthill, Idaho, and about 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry — just south of the Canadian border.
The fire was ignited by lightning on July 8, 2026, and has burned for more than two and a half months on steep, north-facing slopes in heavy mixed conifer timber. The terrain presents significant challenges for firefighters, with extreme slopes, unstable ground conditions, and deep duff layers that allow embers to smolder and travel.
Fuels and Fire Behavior
The fire is burning in mature mixed conifer stands with moderate to high loadings of 1,000-hour fuels and deep duff. Portions of the fire are interacting with the Long Canyon Fire 2022 and Parker Ridge 2015 burn scars, where fuels include snags, dead and downed woody debris, and conifer regeneration. The Long Canyon scar area contains slash, blowdown fuel models, and pockets of shrubs.
Officials note that the status and containment of this fire is not likely to change significantly until a season-ending weather event occurs. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests have set an estimated containment date of December 31, 2026, reflecting the reality that autumn precipitation — not active suppression alone — will be the primary tool for fully controlling the blaze.
Resources and Management
The Upper Smith Fire complex also encompasses the Parker Lake and Border fires on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The incident is currently managed by a Type 4 District Organization, with 14 total personnel assigned. The fire information line can be reached at 208-557-8813.
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests lifted all fire restrictions effective September 3, 2026, following widespread precipitation and cooler temperatures. A trail closure on NFS Trail #13 in the Bonners Ferry Ranger District remains in effect under Closure Order No. 01-04-07-26-005.
Community Guidance
While fire restrictions have been lifted across the Idaho Panhandle, forest officials are asking the community to stay fire-smart and recognize that fuels — though dampened by recent rain — can still carry fire under the right conditions. Residents near Porthill, Bonners Ferry, and the Smith Creek drainage should continue monitoring InciWeb for updates.
For the latest information, visit the fire's InciWeb page or call the fire information line at 208-557-8813.