Single Publication

Gravel Pit Fire Daily Update

WESTERN MONTANA ALL HAZARDS IMT    │    INCIDENT COMMANDER: KEN PARKS                                          

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-gravel-pit-fire

Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Location: 25 miles southeast of Libby, near Silver Butte

Start Date: 8/1/23                  Cause: Human           Size: 304 acres                 Containment: 95%

Total Personnel: 68               Engines:  5                 Tenders: 2                 Hand Crews: 2

The Western Montana All-Hazards Incident Management Team will transfer command of the Gravel Pit Fire to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Libby Unit at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2023. This will be the final daily fact sheet for the Gravel Pit Fire.

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday to the west, crews continued with mop-up activities, locating and extinguishing remaining hot spots. To the east, fire crews also continued to locate hot spots, working in a grid pattern through green islands of unburned material within the fire perimeter. Crews also completed backhauling hose, pumps, and portable water tanks.

PLANNED ACTIONS

Flare-ups remain a concern. Firefighting crews will continue with mop-up activities, working in a grid pattern. Mop-up activities involve extinguishing any remaining embers, hot spots, or smoldering areas within the fire perimeter to prevent them from reigniting and causing another flare-up. Engines and crews will be available for initial attack and will respond quickly to prevent any new fires from growing out of control.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Saturday will see cooler temperatures, but still very dry, with RHs expected in the low teens. A wind shift will occur Friday night to more northerly, which will remain in place over the fire through Sunday morning. Fire behavior is low, with some remaining smoldering areas.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

There are no evacuation warnings, evacuations, or closures currently in effect for the Gravel Pit Fire. All Lincoln County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by downloading the Code Red application and entering contact information. Code Red is the primary notification system to alert residents of evacuations.