Single Publication

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5     INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON 

EAST FORK FIRE 

SEPTEMBER 04, 2023 

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

Start Date: 7/30/2023       Cause: Lightning       Size: 5,162 acres       Containment: 35%  

Total Personnel: 545      Engines: 9     Helicopters: 2       Hand Crews: 8  

CURRENT STATUS 

Firefighters are utilizing equipment to improve damaged roads and surfaces to pre-fire conditions. Crews continued suppression efforts, putting out hot spots and exposing burning logs and stumps. On the northern edge of the fire, crews constructed fire line where it was safe to do so. Firefighters utilizing heavy equipment are working around the fire, clearing and brushing previously constructed fuel breaks.    

PLANNED ACTION  

Hand crews will continue mop-up and patrol along the eastern perimeter. In the southern part of the fire, the crews are actively monitoring the fire with the goal being to get all hand lines connected to prevent the fire from moving outside its current area.  An infra-red flight is planned on Tuesday.   

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

Clouds moved across the incident early Sunday and remained in place throughout the day. Breaks in the clouds did occur at times. With the cloud cover in place, temperatures only managed to climb into the 60s across the incident, with relative humidity only dropping into the 40th percentile. Winds were predominately from the west to south west, averaging around 10 mph. A few showers were around the area late Sunday morning and again during the afternoon. Rain chances ramp up considerably tonight and Monday as a storm system passes through the region, with ¼ inch of precipitation expected. Highs Monday expected to be in the high 50s and humidity in the 70% range.  Tuesday, there will be leftover showers giving way to partly cloudy skies and temps will be the same as Monday, with the humidity going down later in the day. Precipitation amounts are expected to be minimal. Fire is continuing to creep and smolder, mainly in the Avent and Blessing Creek areas. Heavy canopy may prevent precipitation from reaching the ground in the fire area.  

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS 

There are still road and area closures in place in both the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests around the East Fork Fire. See the Kootenai National Forest and Flathead National Forest websites for the most current closure information and maps.