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After substantial rains yesterday, minimal fire growth is expected today. Outside the fire’s eastern edge, at Jocko Lookout, 1 inch of rain was recorded with 0.66 inches being the average across the fire area. As weather and road conditions allow, crews will continue brushing along the S. Canal Road. Crews will be mopping up and monitoring fire activity as heavier fuels continue to smolder along Agency Creek. With precipitation and cooler temperatures looming, the team will begin to look for opportunities for future dozer line rehab. Powerline assessments continue along the north edge of the fire. 

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 remain in your home. Individuals in this status should not bring back evacuated livestock until this status is lifted.

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

Weather: Temperatures remain in and around the 60s today with a chance of wetting rains in the morning as remnants of Hurricane Hilary move out of the area. As a cold front pushes through the area, some showers and afternoon winds of up to 34 mph are expected.  Behind the front, temperatures are predicted to drop into the 40s tonight as clear skies return.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lake County. On Thursday, August 24th at 12:01 A.M. Stage 1 restrictions go into effect for the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lake County.  Stage 1 fire restrictions are still in place in Granite County.

In Stage 1 Fire restrictions the following are prohibited until rescinded: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed recreation site or improved site.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. On the Flathead Reservation, operating a motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails. Visit  https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more fire restriction information across Montana.