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 27, 2023

Location: 12 miles south of Trego, MT

Start Date: 7/30/2023

Cause: Lightning

Size: 5,106 acres

Containment: 15%

Total Personnel: 614

Engines: 16

Hand Crews: 12

Helicopters: 2

Yesterday’s Events: The mosaic pattern of the burn is due to the steep terrain and dense, old growth forest punctuated by newer growth in plantations. This combination of factors meant that firefighters resorted to various tactics and tools to build containment lines. Heavy equipment such as skidgens, feller bunchers and dozers made rough fire lines in accessible areas. These areas were cleaned of felled vegetation to more reliably contain an advancing fire. Hot Shot and hand crews cut trees, dug handlines and laid miles of hose in harder to reach areas. Helicopters dropped water on hot spots to cool them in support of ground forces. Teams successfully used low intensity fire in back burns on the north side of the fire to remove fuels from areas between the established fireline and the fire itself. 

Plans for Today: Firefighters will continue with the successful operations utilized over the last several days. Helicopters will continue with targeted bucket drops. In addition, firefighters will use low intensity burning to strengthen the fireline on the south side of the fire. For the next 4 to 5 days, night operations will remove brush and trees from the mechanically created breaks. Crews will continue current operations to scout and build contingency lines to the east and northeast to further protect the Hwy 93 corridor, homes and the Labeau Research Natural Area. 

Weather Update: This week the weather is predicted to be hot and dry with little wind until Tuesday afternoon.  A frontal system is expected to move in over the region and the windy conditions will test the fire lines. Rain and colder temperatures will follow this front providing another season slowing opportunity. 

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 are available to address questions or concerns via the email address and telephone number noted above.