Single Publication

 NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 6  

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Paul Roose 

East Fork Fire - Daily Update - August 22, 2023 

Kootenai National Forest/Flathead National Forest 

Fire Information   406-285-8634   Eastforkfireinfo@gmail.com 

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information//mtknf-east-fork-fire 

August 22, 2023 

Location: 12 miles south of Trego, MT 

Start Date: 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning Size: 4,614 acres* Containment: 5% 

Total Personnel: 498 Engines: 16 Hand Crews: 10  

Yesterday’s Events: Cool, wet weather was a welcome relief to our firefighters. Because of the reduced fire behavior, crews were able to move in closer to the active fire and strengthen existing lines. Overcast, smoky conditions prevented the use of aircraft for the day. On the fire, approximately ½ inch of rain fell overnight. 

Plans for Today: Field Operations Chief Danny Lemer stated at the morning briefing, “Today we have an opportunity to work with the weather.” With reduced fire activity, crews will work toward building a continuous fireline across the northern edge of the fire.  On the eastern part of the East Fork Fire, heavy equipment will be used to open up roads.  Burned and/or weakened trees will be removed to improve firefighter safety and to keep roads open for future actions.

Evacuations: Some communities remain in a Pre-Evacuation Warning.  Residents may return to their homes under a Pre-Evacuation Warning, but may need to leave again on short notice. For more information, go to the Sheriff’s Department website.

Public Meetings: A public meeting is scheduled for 7:30 PM today at the Olney-Bissell School. 

*Updated acreage information was not available because an IR (infrared) flight did not occur.