Single Publication

Ridge Fire

Location: 6 miles southeast of Hungry Horse

Size: 3651 acres

Percent Contained: 76%

Cause: Lightning

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

Personnel Assigned: 461

Doris Point Fire

Location: 8 miles south of Hungry Horse

Size: 1534 acres

Percent Contained: 10%

Cause: Lightning

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

Personnel Assigned: 1

Tin Soldier Fires

Location: 17 miles east of Swan Lake

Size: 7697 acres

Percent Contained: 10%

Cause: Lightning

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

Personnel Assigned: 160

Highlights: Today, Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Ridge, Doris, and Tin Soldier Fires from California Interagency Incident Management Team 4. In the last 48 hours, significant rain fell across all fire areas in amounts ranging from an inch to an inch and a half.

Operations:

Ridge Fire: In the last few days, the roads were heavily impacted by rainfall which halted most operations on the fire yesterday. Ground resources began utilizing the moisture to mop up some areas along containment lines, but were pushed out by the weather. Where roads were accessible, crews began backhauling some equipment and supplies. Today, crews will monitor and patrol fire lines, as well as begin pulling hose lays that are not needed. In the northeast portion of the fire, resources will use the added moisture to increase containment with handlines. A repair group will be in place to identify areas in need restoration.

Doris Point Fire: The rain and wind from associated storms yesterday brought down trees on the roadway, so resources spent time removing the debris. Today, crews will monitor the fire and continue removing snags along roadways, as well as backhaul supplies and equipment that are no longer needed.

Tin Soldier Fire: Yesterday, crews constructing the fuel break on Meadow Creek Road were halted due to weather. Resources took advantage of the rain and higher humidity to mop up some areas of the fire, but were also pushed out by the heavy rain. Today, crews will maintain protection around structures and continue fuels reduction.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

The area experienced continued rainfall yesterday with some lingering showers this morning and potential thunderstorms this afternoon. A dry cold front will progress through the area today bringing in drier air and gusty west winds. This is an increased safety concern for firefighters because the recent heavy moisture and expected incoming winds increases the chances for downed and falling trees on the roadway and in the fire area.

Ridge, Doris Point, and Tin Solider Fires: 70-75 degrees in the lower elevations and 65-70 degrees in the mid-slopes to ridges with relative humidity at 35-40%. For the Ridge and Doris Point fires, winds will be southwest 8-13 mph with gusts to around 25 mph on the ridgetop. For the Tin Soldier fires, winds will be southwest winds 12-17 mph with gusts around 30 mph on the ridgetop.

Ridge & Doris Fire Pre-Evacuation Notice:

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has rescinded the pre-evacuation notice from the east side of Spotted Bear Road to West Glacier. Visit the Flathead Sheriff’s office for details https://www.facebook.com/flatheadsheriff

Fire Closure:

The Hungry Horse Reservoir is closed to all public access, including both the east and west side roads. The Forest Closure Order that includes the Heinrude Community remains in effect. As firefighting efforts continue on the Ridge Fire, the Tin Soldier, and other fires in the area, the closure is in place to provide for public and firefighter safety. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/flathead/alerts-notices/?aid=82283

Additional Information: Residents should stay alert for changing conditions and visit ready.gov/wildfires for preparing for wildfires. Please refer to http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-tin-soldier-complex for the Tin Soldier Complex Incident information.

Fire Information: 406-998-6074 (8:00 am to 7:00 pm)

Email: 2023.ridge@firenet.gov

https://www.facebook.com/ridge.fire.information 

 https://www.youtube.com/@2023ridgefire