Single Publication

FINAL UPDATE ON THE NIARADA AND MILL POCKET FIRES

Barring any significant developments, this will be the final update for these fires. Both the Niarada Fire and Mill Pocket Fire are 100% contained.

Heavy equipment and hand crews continued suppression repair Monday but rain and deteriorating conditions made progress difficult. Crews, road graders, bulldozers and excavators will continue to repair and rehab areas that were impacted in efforts to stop the fire’s spread. These suppression repair efforts include chipping or stacking limbs and brush that was cut to widen roads, rehabbing and covering dozer lines, and grading roads among other things in order to leave the sight as naturalized. There is an estimated 7-10 days of work left and CSKT Division of Fire personnel will take command of the operation Thursday morning.

Control lines have been tested through high wind and extreme heat with no threat of escape remaining. That said, there still is minimal fire within the interior of the fire’s footprint and as the rain passes and fuels dry out, the sight of smoke and possible small, creeping fire is likely. It will take a season-ending event such as snow to truly put these fires out for good.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Rain is likely today and Wednesday with thunderstorms possible. A drying trend is forecast the rest of the week and into the weekend. There still is minimal fire within the interior and as the rain passes and fuels dry out, smoke and possible small, creeping fire is possible. It will take a season-ending event such as snow to truly put these fires out for good.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

The Lake County Sheriff's office lifted the pre-evacuation warnings related to the Niarada Fire. All residents may bring their livestock back home.

The temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been lifted, as well. That said, do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near ANY fire area under any circumstance. Drones are hazardous for pilots, and the firefighters on the ground who rely on aircraft support. Remember, if you fly, we can’t!

FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation as well as Lake, Flathead and Sanders counties. 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. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more fire information across Montana.

Location: Niarada - 12 miles west of Elmo, MT | Mill Pocket: 3 miles West of Hwy. 28

Start Date: Niarada - 7/30/2023 | Mill Pocket – 7/30/2023         Cause: Lightning       Structures Damaged: 4

Acres/Containment: Niarada–20,365 acres, 100% contained | Mill Pocket– 1,869 acres, 100% contained

Total Personnel: 130 total    Engines: 4       Aircraft: Available as needed     Hand Crews: 1