Single Publication

 Ridge Fire

 Location: 6 miles southeast of Hungry Horse

 Size: 3,665 acres

 Percent Contained: 76%

 Cause: Lightning

 Start Date: July 30th, 2023 @ 3:45 PM

 Personnel Assigned: 224

Doris Point Fire

 Location: 8 miles south of Hungry Horse

 Size: 1,610 acres

 Percent Completed: 98%

 Cause: Lightning

 Start Date: July 30th, 2023 @ 3:45 PM

 Personnel Assigned: 16

Tin Soldier Fires

 Location: 17 miles east of Swan Lake

 Size: 8,165 acres

 Percent Completed: 95%

 Cause: Lightning

 Start Date: July 30th, 2023 @ 3:45 PM

 Personnel Assigned: 50

Highlights:

Unless significant activity occurs, this will be the final update for the Ridge, Doris Point, and Tin Soldier Fires. Southwest Incident Management Team 1 will transfer command of the fires back to a local Type 3 organization on Tuesday, September 5th at 0700. With the recent heavy rainfall that covered much of the fire areas and the forecasted rain in the coming days, little to no fire activity is expected again on the Ridge, Doris Point, or Tin Soldier Fires (Bruce and Sullivan fires).

Yesterday, local forest engines were suppressing the new lighting started Soldier Fire, located near Soldier Creek, when they discovered a second lightning struck tree. A helicopter assisted local firefighters with water bucket drops and Tin Soldier Complex fire managers continued to support with resources as needed. Fire officials were able to call the new starts contained at 6:30 p.m. on 9/2.

Operations:

Ridge and Doris Point Fires:

Heavy equipment will continue working to repair roads near the Ridge Fire that were impacted by fire suppression activities. One smoke was observed and extinguished by firefighters on the Doris Point fire on 9/2.

Tin Soldier Fire:  

Road grading work is nearing completed along FS RD 895, near the bridge over the South Fork Flathead River. Crews and an excavator are finishing the repair of the fire and hand line along Meadow Creek. Firefighters will clean up the remaining tree debris from the mechanical thinning and log skidding project along roadways in the Meadow Creek area.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Increasing clouds and southwesterly winds are expected today with cooler temperatures and isolated rain showers. A cold front will push through the area tonight likely bringing more rain followed by rain showers though out the day tomorrow with even cooler temperatures.

Fire Closure:

The Hungry Horse Reservoir closure order has been modified to allow access to the east road of the reservoir and on the west road down to the Doris Point Boat Launch. The lake is now open for recreation. The closure remains in place on the west side of the reservoir for firefighter and public safety. For the most up to date closure information visit, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/flathead/alerts-notices/?aid=82283

The Heinrude Community evacuation was lifted for residents but due to the forest closure residents need to contact the Hungry Horse Ranger Station at (406) 387-3800 to arrange access to their properties. For the most current information regarding evacuation status please visit https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes/emergency-management/ridge-fire-information.

Additional Information:

Information for the Ridge, Doris Point, and Tin Soldier Complex Fires is found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-ridge-fire. For wildfire preparedness tips visit, https://www.ready.gov/wildfires.