Single Publication

Total Acres: 667
Containment: 45%
Start Date: September 1, 2022
Cause: Lightning
Location: 21 miles west of Kalispell near Marion
Personnel: 250  

Highlights: The Lemonade Fire has reached 45% containment, and much progress has been made. Combined with reduced fire activity and favorable weather, the Flathead National Forest and fire managers have decided to transition to a smaller fire management organization. The Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 3 will turn the fire over to a Tally Lake Ranger District Type 4 organization on Wednesday, September 14, at 7:00 am. Over the next few days, fire managers will begin strategically releasing resources to align with current firefighting needs. However, work continues as crews hot spot, cool the fire's edge, mitigate hazard trees, and begin pulling hose and equipment no longer needed.

Operations: Firefighters are patrolling the southeast side, and there is currently no fire activity in that area. 

Crews have completed a saw line and are using water and other tactics to cool the fire's edge on the northeast side. Several small spot fires occurred near the northernmost point the past few days; however, these spots are within the heavy equipment line, and crews have put them out. Firefighters will continue to grid the area to ensure they haven't missed any hot spots. 

On the northwest side, crews have cooled the fire's edge at least 15 feet into its interior and will continue to go further where it makes sense. 

Heavy fuels make it challenging to fight the fire directly on the southwest point. Instead, heavy equipment cleared some of these fuels to create a buffer between the fire and line. 

The southern perimeter has shown minimal fire activity. Crews will begin backhauling hoses, pumps, and other equipment where it is no longer needed. Some hazard tree removal will continue on the southwest side.

Weather: Temperatures will be 68-73 degrees in the fire area, with 21-26% relative humidity. Winds will be north to northeast 5-10 with gusts to 15 mph. Yesterday smoke coming into the area from other fires kept temperatures cooler than expected. Today, a combination of smoke and clouds will limit heating. A few sprinkles are possible Monday afternoon, and a light rain is possible Monday night.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area, including the use of drones. Remember, if you fly, we can't. 

Evacuations:  Currently, there are no evacuations; however, one property is under pre-evacuation notice.

Closures: Currently, there are no closures. Roads and trails that were previously closed are now open.

Smoke: Visit fire.airnow.gov/ for wildfire smoke information and deq.mt.gov/air/Programs/airquality for Montana Department of Environmental Quality air quality information.

Fire Information Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 406-272-4859| Email: 2022.lemonade@firenet.gov