Single Publication

Tin Soldier Complex

Flathead National Forest Land Management
FLATHEAD INTERAGENCY TYPE 3 TEAM INCIDENT COMMANDER: MIKE WEST
Fire Information: 406-758-5314 Email: 2023.tinsoldiercomplex@firenet.gov
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-tin-soldier-complex

Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 9:00 am
Location: 17 miles east of Swan Lake, Montana
Start Date: 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning Size: 2,765 acres Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 70 Engines: 2 Type 2 IA Crew: 2 Wildland Fire Module: 2
Water Tender: 1
Note: Additional personnel from the Spotted Bear District are “on loan” and assisting with fire related operations. Priority will be given for initial attack if any other fires on the Spotted Bear District are detected.

SUMMARY
The Tin Soldier Complex is estimated at 2,765 acres in size and remains 0% contained. The Infra-Red flight last night found an increase of 71 acres between the three fires.

Acres burned as of the morning of Tuesday, August 15th.
• Bruce Fire – 1017 acres at 0% containment
• Kah Mtn Fire – 491 acres at 0% containment
• Sullivan Fire – 1,257 acres at 0% containment
• Con Kelly Fire – 0.25 acres – Out.

PAST AND PLANNED ACTIONS
Today’s actions will include ongoing structure protection efforts for the commercial guest ranches, Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound, Heinrude residential community, and other infrastructure in the area. Crews will continue fuels reduction, slash removal, structure prep, and daily testing of the sprinkler systems and water pumps for all values at risk. Mechanical equipment finished the fuel break to the north, south and west side of FS Road #895 adjacent to the Heinrude community. Structure protection for Spotted Bear Lookout is complete.

EVACUATIONS, CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS
Evacuations: An evacuation has been issued by the Flathead County Sheriff for Heinrude community.
Restrictions/Closures:
• Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect as of August 5th.
• An area closure is in effect for the Hungry Horse Reservoir, the front country of the Spotted Bear district as well the Gorge Creek drainage within the Bob Marshall Wilderness area due to the Stadium Fire.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for air space over the Tin Soldier Complex to provide a safe environment for fire aircraft operating in the area. This includes the Spotted Bear and Meadow Creek Airstrips! Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to UAS or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

WEATHER
High pressure will continue to build over the area early this week, which will result in hot conditions. Temperatures are forecasted to be above 94F and winds will be shifting from East to West this afternoon. Fuels are readily available as they were consistently drying over the last few days. Critical fire weather concerns have prompted a Fire Weather Watch for the area on Thursday due to the combination of hot, dry, and windy conditions.