Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 5, Incident Commander Joe Sampson  

Location:3 miles south of Springer Memorial Community, in the East Fork 

Start Date: 7/25/2024      

Cause: Lightning       

Size:   6662 Acres     

Completion: 25%       

Total Personnel: 212      

Current Status 

Crews took shelter during the thunderstorms yesterday. Once storms subsided, crews were able to assess the impact of the rain on the fire and make operational plans for the coming days. A helicopter will be assisting crews to remove equipment off of the line today and over the weekend. Suppression repair on the fireline will likely begin this weekend. Crews will continue to patrol the west side of the fire, searching for residual heat. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Gusty winds are expected over the next few days with temperatures rising into the upper 60s over the weekend. The slight increase in temperatures and windy conditions will result in a higher likelihood of smokey conditions, with creeping and smoldering of larger fuels. By early next week, another low-pressure system will make its way through the area, bringing more wetting rain to the fire area.   

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES  

• Area closures are in effect for both sides of the East Fork Road, the East Fork Guard Station, Martin Creek Campground, and a multitude of trailheads. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices 
• The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness within the Bitterroot National Forest is currently in Stage I Fire restrictions. 
• The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) area was expanded on September 10th. More information can be found on the FAA website: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2921.html