Single Publication

East Fork Fire

Kootenai National Forest/Flathead National Forest

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

August 25, 2023

Location: 12 miles south of Trego, MT

Start Date: 7/30/2023

Cause: Lightning

Size: 4,993 acres*

Containment: 10%

Total Personnel: 614

Engines: 17

Hand Crews: 12

Helicopters: 2

Yesterday’s Events: Additional resources joined the East Fork Fire on Thursday, including hot shot crews and heavy equipment. Much of their efforts focused on constructing control lines directly next to the fire.

Burning operations designed to remove fuels and strengthen containment lines were attempted, but fuel moisture and humidity levels hampered firefighters’ efforts to burn out fuels next to the existing fireline. Night operations continued to move logs and brush that had been cut during the day shift.

Plans for Today: An infrared flight occurred on Thursday, fire managers will utilize this data to better plan tactics. Crews will be taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to directly attack any active fire that may occur as fuels dry. Aviation resources will complement the work of the ground forces if conditions permit, including reconnaissance missions and helicopter bucket work.

Weather Update: High temperatures on the East Fork Fire will continue to rise over the next several days and relative humidity will decrease. This will cause fuels to dry and fire behavior to increase. Incident Meteorologist Jason Straub, alerted fire crews this morning that winds may gust up to 25 mph this afternoon associated with an incoming cold front. These winds could increase fire activity and may also increase the risk of falling trees.

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 Lincoln County and Flathead County Sheriff’s Department Facebook pages.

Public Meetings: No public meetings are scheduled at this time, though fire personnel will be available to answer questions at the Lincoln County Fair on Friday and Saturday.

*Acreage change is due to the availability of more accurate data (from infrared (IR) flight).