Milder weather conditions and cooler temperatures in north-central Idaho are keeping area wildfires in check, though smoke continues to linger in the valleys and push into some higher country.
Containment of the Sheep Fire near Riggins is at 60 percent. The number of personnel fighting the 48,300-acre fire dropped from 300 to 250. Most of the fire perimeter is in a monitoring and control status, though the northeast corner remains active as the prohibitive terrain is preventing all but air attacks.
Growth of the 43,300 acre McGuire Fire near Dixie continues to slow as overnight temperatures drop into the single digits in some locations. Containment is at 45 percent. Fire officials expect the blaze to churn out smoke until a season-ending weather event like rain or snow snuffs it for good.
