Single Publication

Community Meeting Today

Arlee Community Center, 34086 Pow Wow Rd., Arlee, MT Monday, August 21st, 2023 at 7 P.M.

Meeting will be broadcast on CSKT Division of Fire Facebook Live

Active fire remains in tighter canopies where rain is unable to reach the ground. On the north edge of the fire along S. Canal Road, resources will continue to hold and improve containment lines. On the south end of the fire in the Agency Creek drainage, crews pulled up the hose lays and are patrolling and cooling hot spots within the fire perimeter. Near Jocko Lookout, the fire was creeping and smoldering, and rains wet the area. Crews will be completing a power line assessment.

The Big Knife Fire is currently 1.25 miles north of the Rattlesnake Wilderness Boundary (Lolo National Forest) with no significant growth towards the Lolo National Forest in the last week. Smoke from the fire may impact the Snowbowl area, however the Lolo National Forest does not have any forest closures in place on the Missoula Ranger District.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES: Several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire remain in PRE-EVACUATION WARNING by order of the Lake County Sheriff. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). The Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.

A PRE-EVACUATION WARNING means you may be in your home. Individuals in this status should not bring back evacuated livestock until the area is downgraded to READY status.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around the fire area. Do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near the fire areas.

Weather: Rain is expected all day today with up to a half inch of accumulation over the next several days. After 4:00 PM there is a chance of thunderstorms.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place in Granite County. The following are prohibited until rescinded: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed recreation site or improved site. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Visit  https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more fire restriction information across Montana.