Single Publication

Location: 12 miles south of Trego, Montana          Information Line: 406-285-8634 

Start Date: 7/30/2023       Cause: Lightning       Size: 5,162 acres       Containment: 39%  

Total Personnel: 430       Engines: 8    Helicopters: 2       Hand Crews: 5   

CURRENT STATUS 

Light precipitation occurred over the fire. In areas where rain doesn’t penetrate the tree canopy, the precipitation is not enough to completely extinguish the creeping and smoldering fire in heavy fuels and the thick layers of duff (vegetative matter that covers the forest floor). Fire activity has posed very little threat to containment lines over the last several days. Live fuels are not currently contributing to fire behavior or potential due to their higher moisture levels. When fuel moisture levels are higher, fire intensity tends to be less intense and slower moving.  

PLANNED ACTION  

Mop-up and patrol of residual heat will continue along the edges of the fire. Crews have started removing unnecessary equipment from some areas. Firefighters and heavy equipment are implementing the fire suppression repair plan, improving damaged road surfaces to pre-fire conditions. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

Mostly cloudy conditions prevailed across the incident, as an upper-level disturbance moved across the region. This weather feature produced scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Only light precipitation fell, with the majority of the precipitation passing to the north and south of the fire area. Clear skies and drier conditions will return mid-week through Saturday.   

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS 

Road and area closures remain in effect on both the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests around the East Fork Fire. Reassessment of closure areas occurs on a regular basis. Temporary closures are implemented during wildfire events to protect working firefighters and outdoor enthusiasts recreating in the area. Once fire officials determine the area is safe to reopen, closure orders will be adjusted or rescinded. See the Forest Facebook pages and Inciweb for the most current updates and maps. 

SPECIAL MESSAGES 

Watch for increased fire traffic. As equipment is moving off the fire line and demobilizing back to home units, you may notice trucks and other heavy equipment on Highway 93.  Large trucks and heavy equipment are still active on the roads south of Trego, and roads remain closed for public and firefighter safety.