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East Fork Fire- August 31, 2023 -Update
East Fork Fire
Publication Type: News 09/01/2023
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 31, 2023
Location: 12 miles south of Trego, MT
Start Date: 7/30/2023
Cause: Lightning
Size: 5,162 acres
Containment: 20%
Total Personnel: 662
Engines: 15
Hand Crews: 14
Helicopters: 2
Yesterday’s Events: Steady rain on Wednesday restricted fire suppression work on the East Fork Fire. Crews were limited to patrolling roads in the fire area for possible hot spots and trees that may have fallen across the fireline and/or access roads. The rain event was of sufficient duration and amount that fire behavior will be greatly reduced. According to Fire Behavior Analyst Eric Tremble, fuels have now become so moist that active fire is not likely for at least the next five days.
Plans for Today: Crews are facing challenges today such as slippery, wet roads and weakened, dangerous trees. As firefighters are able, they will construct fireline close to burned areas and remove unstable trees. Care will continue to be taken to protect roads and streams, which may be vulnerable to damage from recent rains.
Northern Rockies Team 5 will be taking command of the fire tomorrow morning at 6:00am. Team 6 has appreciated the warm welcome of the communities near the East Fork Fire and look forward to continuing the friendships we have formed with you.
Weather Update: An estimated 2” of precipitation fell on the fire area during the last 24 hours. Today’s forecast calls for cloudy skies and light winds with high temperatures in the low to mid 60’s. Relative humidity will stay fairly high, dropping only to 45 to 50%.
Evacuations: Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, in coordination with Team 6, lifted the recent pre-evacuation order on Wednesday because “the imminent risk of danger to life and properties in the vicinity of the East Fork Fire has diminished.” 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.
To view today's operations video, go to https://youtu.be/644dpOGMGkY