Single Publication

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 6

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Paul Roose

East Fork Fire

Kootenai National Forest/Flathead National Forest

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

August 26, 2023

Location: 12 miles south of Trego, MT

Start Date: 7/30/2023

Cause: Lightning

Size: 5,106 acres

Containment: 10%

Total Personnel: 616

Engines: 17

Hand Crews: 12

Helicopters: 2

Yesterday’s Events: Heavy equipment continued constructing contingency firelines as close to active fire as possible while hand crews and engines constructed fireline immediately adjacent to the burning areas. The fire team was successful in ordering heavy equipment resources, though hand crews are still critically needed and scarce. On a very limited scale, crews attempted to conduct burnout operations to remove fuels adjacent to the fireline. These operations did not meet objectives because fuels were too moist. Air operations assisted with reconnaissance, infrared, and even bucket drops on the fire.

Plans for Today: One of the greatest challenges for firefighters with this fire is the rugged, broken terrain punctuated with cliffs. In addition, Operations Section Chief Trainee, Ben Wagner, reported that “this fuel type is very challenging – it’s super thick, deep, and prone to spotting.” There are dozens of these spots, and our crews are using drones with infrared to locate, contain, and eliminate the hot spots outside of the larger fire perimeter. Another challenge for the firefighters is that this is a “dirty burn,” meaning the fire is burning in such a way that it is ragged, patchy, and spotty. Despite these difficulties, Operations Chief Danny Lemer encouraged firefighters today to “go after it.”

Weather Update: Light rain fell on parts of the fire on Friday, but precipitation amounts were insufficient to affect fire activity. In fact, conditions will be favorable today for strategic firing operations as fuels dry and temperatures rise.

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 Saturday.

To view the operational briefing for today go to YouTube here: https://youtu.be/V9CJ82qqY6M