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Community Meeting Monday August 2 6 pm in Thompson Falls

Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement

Representatives from the West Lolo Complex (Thorne Creek Fire) will hold a Community Meeting on Monday, August 2 at 6 p.m. in Ainsworth Park, 200 Lincoln Street, Thompson Falls, MT. This is an outdoor setting event where social distancing is encouraged.

West Lolo Complex Daily Update Tuesday August 3

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

West Lolo Complex (Thorne Creek Fire)

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

Monday, August 3, 2021

 

Contact Information

Thorne Creek Fire Statistics

  • Location: 5 miles NE of Thompson Falls
  • Date of Origin: 7/7/2021
  • Cause: Lightning
  • Acres: 17,685
  • Containment: 0%
  • Injuries: 4

   Resources

  • Crews: 2                        
  • Dozers: 2
  • Engines: 17                  
  • Skidgens: 2                      
  • Helicopters: 4             
  • Feller Bunchers: 3              
  • Water Tenders: 9        
  • Masticator: 1
  • Personnel: 273

Summary: Wetting rains on Sunday and Monday allowed for firefighters to engage in aggressive mop up and containment tactics.  The northern flank continues to require extensive attention while firefighters also work in other areas to tie other containment lines to rocky ledges in remote rocky terrain. This morning, a contingent of National Guard resources arrived at Incident Command Post.  They will receive a briefing from Northern Rockies Team 1 and begin to fill critical resource needs for the West Lolo Complex and Sanders County Sheriff’s Office.

Yesterday: Firefighters assigned in Division Charlie completed installing water source that will help them mop up this critical area.  Lines were reinforced and fire edges cooled using water and retardant delivered from aircraft. On the southwest perimeter, in Division Zulu, day and night crews continued to mop up and patrol containment lines from Saturday’s firing operations.  On the eastern flank crews continued work on a fuel break from Thompson River to Fishtrap. Crews working to secure Sundance Road Contingency lines made progress in the southeastern flank of the fire.

Today: On the northern flank crews will continue holding slop over from Graves Creek along Cougar Peak Road to prevent spread to the northwest and the Clark Fork River corridor.  On the eastern flank in Division Zulu, crews will work to secure containment lines after firing operations are completed.  Aerial ignition firing operations could be used along the southern flank and crews will work to cool fire edges as they work to achieve containment.  Focus in Division Echo on the eastern flank will concentrate on securing alternate control lines using the Spruce Fire scar and West Fork Road.  Structure protection teams will continue identifying response needs to threatened values at risk.  

Crews along the western flank in Division Zulu are working to secure the fire line and mop up to achieve containment in the span between Graves Creek and Weber Gulch. Once containment is achieved west of Weber Gulch, crews on the southern flank, Division November, will start working toward the eastern flank of the fire. Structure protection assessments continues particularly in Snider and along the southern flank of the fire.    On the eastern flank in Divisions Echo and Juliet, Masticators are improving an old dozer line working towards the Spruce Burn Scar.  

Weather: Humidity remains high, but conditions will begin to get warmer and drier today.  Persistent valley inversion is expected to weaken releasing smoke from the valley. As the inversion and smoke releases conditions will improve for active fire behavior.  Temperatures will be much higher today and rain is possible later in the week. 

Evacuations:

  • Evac Order: all residences EAST/NORTHEAST from Allen Ranch south on Blue Slide Road to the intersection of the BPA power lines, following the power lines through Ashley Creek to the Thompson River.
  • Pre-Evac/Warning: all residences to the WEST from Allen Ranch south along Blue Slide Road to the intersection of Highway 200, on the west side of the Clark Fork River.

The color-coded evacuation maps are located on InciWeb and Facebook. 206 residents are currently under evacuation orders. The team is coordinating closely with local law enforcement and emergency management officials with the goal of returning residents home as soon as it is safe to do so.

Closures and Additional Information:

  • The Red Cross Disaster Action Team has opened a Temporary Evacuation Center/Shelter at the Thompson Falls Community Center for all evacuees. The 24/7 information line is (406) 827-9268.
  • Information Sign Boards are located at Ainsworth Park, Harvest Foods, and Wild Goose Landing in Thompson Falls, and the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District in Plains. Local businesses are assisting with information dissemination by posting maps and updates and sharing information cards.
  • STAGE 2 fire restrictions are in effect; visit mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.
  • Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at fires.airfire.org
  • Temporary flight restrictions specific to Thorne Creek Fire: tfr.faa.gov
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Forest closure information can be found on InciWeb under the “Maps” and “Closures” tabs.
  • Ready, Set, GO! wildland fire preparedness for ranchers and farmers can be found at dnrc.mt.gov.
  • No Drone Zone! If you fly, we can’t! Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org
  • Residents can reduce wildfire risk by following Firewise building construction and vegetation management principles. Visit Firewise.org for more information.
Related Information:
pict20210703-115611-0.pdf (197.4 KB) pict20210703-115833-0.pdf (4.01 MB)

West Lolo Complex Thorne Creek Fire Daily Update Wednesday August 4

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

  

West Lolo Complex (Thorne Creek Fire)

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

August 4, 2021

 

 


Contact Information


Thorne Creek Fire Statistics

  • Location: 5 miles NE of Thompson Falls
  • Date of Origin: 7/7/2021
  • Cause: Lightning
  • Acres: 17,923
  • Containment: 0%
  • Injuries: 4

 


Resources

  • Crews: 2                        
  • Dozers: 2
  • Engines: 20                   
  • Skidgens: 2                      
  • Helicopters: 3             
  • Feller Bunchers: 3              
  • Water Tenders: 10        
  • Masticator: 1
  • Personnel: 325


Summary: Areas of containment could start being added to the map today as crews mop up and secure control lines in Division Zulu.  Fire growth slowed during the wet period. Firefighters expect fire behavior to intensify today as gusty winds from forecasted storms arrive and smoke inversions lift. 26 National Guard members, voluntarily activated Montana residents, from the 639th Quarter Master and 631st Chemical Companies, and making the 495 Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, arrived yesterday and will provide security support to the incident.

Yesterday: Crews in the north in Division Charlie took advantage of active springs to pump water and secure the fire line into rock ledges and a burn scar to the north.  Crews along the western flank, in Division Zulu, concentrated on mop up operations and securing control lines.  Crews in the south saw active fire moving into Weber Gulch and will continue to seek opportunities to contain the fire’s growth.  Crews and heavy equipment on the eastern flank continued work on control lines and are nearing completion.

Today: Crews in the north, in Division Charlie, are holding lines along Cougar Peak to keep fire from escaping the Graves Creek drainage. Mop up work will continue in Division Zulu and as control lines are secured, they will be patrolled by firefighters to ensure no hot spots or smoke remain near the perimeter. Crews in the south, on Division November, will monitor conditions including fuel moisture, humidity, and winds to continue firing operations to the southeast towards the Copper King fire scar.  Firefighters in the east on Division Juliet and Echo are working to reinforce lines to the Spruce 2 burn scar.

Weather: A high pressure ridge expands into the region bringing dry weather.  There is a small risk of thunderstorms with gusty winds this evening as a weak weather disturbance moves through the area.  Warm and dry conditions are expected into Thursday when we will see a much better chance of wetting rains and thunderstorms.  Cooler but windier conditions are expected Friday and Saturday.

Evacuations:

  • Evac Order: all residences EAST/NORTHEAST from Allen Ranch south on Blue Slide Road to the intersection of the BPA power lines, following the power lines through Ashley Creek to the Thompson River.
  • Pre-Evac/Warning: all residences to the WEST from Allen Ranch south along Blue Slide Road to the intersection of Highway 200, on the west side of the Clark Fork River.

The color-coded evacuation maps are located on InciWeb and Facebook. 206 residents are currently under evacuation orders. The team is coordinating closely with local law enforcement and emergency management officials with the goal of returning residents home as soon as it is safe to do so.

Closures and Additional Information:

  • The Red Cross Disaster Action Team has opened a Temporary Evacuation Center/Shelter at the Thompson Falls Community Center for all evacuees. The 24/7 information line is (406) 827-9268.
  •  Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at https://sites.google.com/firenet.gov/wfaqrp-airfire-tools/
  • Temporary flight restrictions specific to Thorne Creek Fire: tfr.faa.gov
  • Information Sign Boards are located at Ainsworth Park, Harvest Foods, and Wild Goose Landing in Thompson Falls, and the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District in Plains. Local businesses are assisting with information dissemination by posting maps and updates and sharing information cards.
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Forest closure information can be found on InciWeb under the “Maps” and “Closures” tabs.
  • STAGE 2 fire restrictions are in effect; visit mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.
  • Ready, Set, GO! wildland fire preparedness for ranchers and farmers can be found at dnrc.mt.gov.
  • Residents can reduce wildfire risk by following Firewise building construction and vegetation management principles. Visit Firewise.org for more information.
  • No Drone Zone! If you fly, we can’t! Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org
Related Information:
pict20210704-102718-0.pdf (214.63 KB) pict20210704-103710-0.pdf (3.7 MB)

RED FLAG WARNING ISSUED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement

 RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT THURSDAY NIGHT...

* AFFECTED AREA: FIRE ZONE 106 (WEST LOLO). FIRE ZONE 108 (EAST    LOLO). FIRE ZONE 109 (BITTERROOT). FIRE ZONE 110    (DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD). FIRE ZONE 111 (EAST BEAVERHEAD). 

* IMPACTS: DANGEROUS CONDITIONS DUE TO STRONG AND ERRATIC OUTFLOW   WINDS ALONG WITH NEW FIRE STARTS ARE POSSIBLE, PARTICULARLY FOR   AREAS THAT DID NOT SEE SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL OVER THE LAST FEW    DAYS. 

* THUNDERSTORMS: A MIX OF WET AND DRY STORMS WILL DEVELOP IN THE   EARLY AFTERNOON, WITH SEVERAL WAVES OF STORMS POSSIBLE INTO    THURSDAY EVENING.

* OUTFLOW WINDS: WIDESPREAD OUTFLOW WINDS OF 25-40 MPH ARE   ANTICIPATED. STRONGER STORMS COULD PRODUCE WINDS OVER 50 MPH. 

Related Links:
Red Flag Warning map, NWS

West Lolo Complex Thorne Creek Fire Daily Update Thursday August 5

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

  

West Lolo Complex (Thorne Creek Fire)

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

August 5, 2021

 


Contact Information


Thorne Creek Fire Statistics

  • Location: 5 miles NE of Thompson Falls
  • Date of Origin: 7/7/2021
  • Cause: Lightning
  • Acres: 18,334
  • Containment: 7%
  • Injuries: 4

 


Resources

  • Crews: 2                        
  • Dozers: 2
  • Engines: 20                   
  • Skidgens: 2                      
  • Helicopters: 3              
  • Feller Bunchers: 3              
  • Water Tenders: 10       
  • Masticator: 1
  • Personnel: 334  


       Red Flag Warning from Noon until Midnight

 

Summary: A red flag warning has been issued today due to possible lightning and high winds. The red flag indicates conditions are favorable for rapid wildfire growth.  The Incident Management Team has plans in place to respond to new fires within the Temporary Flight Restriction area if needed.

Containment was added to the Thorne Creek Fire along the eastern flank in Division Zulu yesterday.  Firefighters will continue to work on additional containment along the eastern flank to reduce the risk for communities to the west.

Yesterday: Fire crews working in steep rocky terrain in the north, in Division Charlie, made progress connecting fire line with rocky terrain and the Deep Creek Fire scar.  Along the southwestern edge of the fire in Division Zulu mop up and holding continue.  In Division November, slow methodical firing operations took place in Weber Gulch as crews continue to work east. Day crews transitioned with night crews who continued firing operations to the creek drainage and held the fire there in preparation for today’s forecasted weather. Reinforcement of road boundaries in advance of the northeastern corner of the fire continued as crews seek connection with the Spruce 2 Fire scar.

Today: The crews to the north, in Division Charlie look to reach containment and close connection to Cougar Peak.  Debris rollout is a concern for firefighter safety and containment along control lines. Crews in Division Zulu, on the western edge of the fire, will continue mop up operations ensuring that no lingering hot spots or smoke remain on the west side of Weber Gulch to create containment line on the southern flank.

Fire managers are monitoring the weather closely.  Hand and air ignition will only take place if forecasted conditions do not materialize in Weber Gulch as crews attempt to complete a containment line north of Silcox.  On the eastern front, crews are improving sections of containment to the Spruce 2 Fire. 

Weather: A weather disturbance is expected today with a chance of storms beginning mid-afternoon.  Storms could produce lightning and strong outflow winds. Wetting rain is possible with storm development, but coverage will not be widespread.  Cooler temperatures and higher humidity will follow the storm system Friday and Saturday. 

 

 

Evacuations:

  • Evac Order: all residences EAST/NORTHEAST from Allen Ranch south on Blue Slide Road to the intersection of the BPA power lines, following the power lines through Ashley Creek to the Thompson River.
  • Pre-Evac/Warning: all residences to the WEST from Allen Ranch south along Blue Slide Road to the intersection of Highway 200, on the west side of the Clark Fork River.

The color-coded evacuation maps are located on InciWeb and Facebook. 206 residents are currently under evacuation orders. The team is coordinating closely with local law enforcement and emergency management officials with the goal of returning residents home as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

Closures and Additional Information:

  • The Red Cross Disaster Action Team has opened a Temporary Evacuation Center/Shelter at the Thompson Falls Community Center for all evacuees. The 24/7 information line is (406) 827-9268.
  • Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at https://sites.google.com/firenet.gov/wfaqrp-airfire-tools/
  • Temporary flight restrictions specific to Thorne Creek Fire: tfr.faa.gov
  • Information Sign Boards are located at Ainsworth Park, Harvest Foods, and Wild Goose Landing in Thompson Falls, and the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District in Plains. Local businesses are assisting with information dissemination by posting maps and updates and sharing information cards.
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Forest closure information can be found on InciWeb under the “Maps” and “Closures” tabs.
  • STAGE 2 fire restrictions are in effect; visit mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.
  • Ready, Set, GO! wildland fire preparedness for ranchers and farmers can be found at dnrc.mt.gov.
  • Residents can reduce wildfire risk by following Firewise building construction and vegetation management principles. Visit Firewise.org for more information.
  • No Drone Zone! If you fly, we can’t! Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org
  •  
Related Information:
pict20210705-100151-0.pdf (245.36 KB) pict20210705-100238-0.pdf (2.81 MB)

West Lolo Complex Thorne Fire Daily Update Friday August 6

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

  West Lolo Complex (Thorne Creek Fire)

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

August 6, 2021

 

 


Contact Information

Thorne Creek Fire Statistics

  • Location: 5 miles NE of Thompson Falls
  • Date of Origin: 7/7/2021
  • Cause: Lightning
  • Acres: 19,100
  • Containment: 9%
  • Injuries: 4

 

Resources

  • Crews: 2                        
  • Dozers: 4
  • Engines: 20                   
  • Skidgens: 7                      
  • Helicopters: 4              
  • Feller Bunchers: 2              
  • Water Tenders: 12       
  • Masticator: 2
  • Personnel: 348

A Community Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 7, at 6 p.m. in Ainsworth Park, 200 Lincoln Street, Thompson Falls, MT. This is an outdoor setting where social distancing is encouraged. 

 

Summary: Since July 7, Aviation assets serving the West Lolo Complex have dropped 730,000 gallons of water; 28,000 gallons of retardant; and delivered 31,000 pounds of cargo.  

Work continues along the northwest perimeter in Division Charlie as firefighters work to connect with Cougar Peak Lookout.  Mop up and containment continues along the western flank of the fire as crews continue south from Squaw Creek to Weber Gulch.  A reprieve from the extreme heat is expected today as cooler temperatures and winds from the west are forecasted.

Yesterday: In Division Charlie, on the northwest perimeter, crews worked to secure control lines.  Along the western edge of the fire in Division Zulu mop up and holding continued with a slight increase in containment.  In Division November, crews focused their efforts near Weber Gulch Trailhead and private structures, mopping up and securing lines. 

Today: Firefighters to the north, in Division Charlie, continue work to improve control lines from the 2017 Deep Creek fire scar to Graves Creek. Mop up will be ongoing as firefighters work towards containment.  Control lines in Division Zulu have been contained and firefighters will continue patrol of the area.  If conditions are favorable in Division November, crews will continue hand and aerial firing operations.  Smoke will be visible from Thompson Falls in the in Dry Creek drainage and south along the southwestern flank in Division November. Crews in the Ashley Creek area will continue a wildfire assessment for the town’s watershed. Night patrol presence will continue and increase in Divisions November and Zulu.

 

Weather: Isolated storms brought some rain to the fire Thursday with 0.05 measured in the Cougar Peak Lookout area.  Breezy conditions will continue Friday with wind gusts of greater than 25 mph forecasted for ridgetops. Temperatures will continue to cool through the weekend with a chance of wetting rain in the forecast for Sunday. 

Evacuations:

  • Evac Order: all residences EAST/NORTHEAST from Allen Ranch south on Blue Slide Road to the intersection of the BPA power lines, following the power lines through Ashley Creek to the Thompson River.
  • Pre-Evac/Warning: all residences to the WEST from Allen Ranch south along Blue Slide Road to the intersection of Highway 200, on the west side of the Clark Fork River.

The color-coded evacuation maps are located on InciWeb and Facebook. 206 residents are currently under evacuation orders. The team is coordinating closely with local law enforcement and emergency management officials with the goal of returning residents home as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

Closures and Additional Information:

  • The Red Cross shelter in Thompson Falls has gone to standby status.
  • Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at https://sites.google.com/firenet.gov/wfaqrp-airfire-tools/
  • Temporary flight restrictions specific to Thorne Creek Fire: tfr.faa.gov
  • Information Sign Boards are located at Ainsworth Park, Harvest Foods, and Wild Goose Landing in Thompson Falls, and the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District in Plains. Local businesses are assisting with information dissemination by posting maps and updates and sharing information cards.
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Forest closure information can be found on InciWeb under the “Maps” and “Closures” tabs.
  • STAGE 2 fire restrictions are in effect; visit mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.
  • Ready, Set, GO! wildland fire preparedness for ranchers and farmers can be found at dnrc.mt.gov.
  • Residents can reduce wildfire risk by following Firewise building construction and vegetation management principles. Visit Firewise.org for more information.
  • No Drone Zone! If you fly, we can’t! Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org  
Related Information:
pict20210706-100715-0.pdf (2.8 MB) pict20210706-143558-0.pdf (232.74 KB)

Thompson Falls Community Meeting Saturday August 7 6 pm

Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement

A West Lolo Complex Community Meeting will be held on Saturday, August 7, at 6 p.m. in Ainsworth Park, 200 Lincoln Street, Thompson Falls, MT. This is an outdoor setting where social distancing is encouraged. 

West Lolo Complex Daily Update Saturday August 7

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

West Lolo Complex (Thorne Creek Fire)

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

August 7, 2021

 

 


Contact Information

Thorne Creek Fire Statistics

  • Location: 5 miles NE of Thompson Falls
  • Date of Origin: 7/7/2021
  • Cause: Lightning
  • Acres: 19,100
  • Containment: 15%
  • Injuries: 4

 

Resources

  • Crews: 2                        
  • Dozers: 4
  • Engines: 20                   
  • Skidgens: 7                      
  • Helicopters: 4              
  • Feller Bunchers: 2              
  • Water Tenders: 11       
  • Masticator: 2
  • Personnel: 347  


There will be a Community Meeting this evening at 6 p.m. in Ainsworth Park, 200 Lincoln Street, Thompson Falls, MT. This is an outdoor setting where social distancing is encouraged. 

 

Summary: Additional Montana National Guard soldiers, trained in wildland firefighting, are scheduled to arrive this morning, receive a briefing and will be assigned to boost resources mopping up and securing control lines along the southwest perimeter of the fire. 

Many hours of hard work by firefighters has resulted in containment in the northwest area near Cougar Peak Lookout and Deep Creek Fire scar.  Firing will continue in the Dry and Weber Gulches as they work to contain the western flank. 

 

Yesterday: Aerial and hand ignition between Weber and Dry Gulches and to the east in the head of Ashley Creek took place, reducing available fuels for the main fire to secure control lines.  Operations were supported by local resources and the Craig and Wyoming Hotshot crews. Night crews joined the two Hotshot crews and completed critical hand ignitions to prepare for additional firing operations today.  Patrol will continue along the western perimeter from Division Charlie through Division Zulu. 

Today: Firefighters will continue hand firing in Division November along the southwestern flank and will work to secure Dry Gulch and Ashley Creek ahead of forecasted weather. Fire will be visible from Thompson Falls as crews work to create containment. 

 

Weather: Weather today is expected to be much like yesterday.  Expect lower humidity in lower elevations with higher winds on ridge tops.  Gusty winds are possible particularly along slopes that align with the wind direction.  Wind gusts could reach 25 mph.  Sunday, temperatures will be much cooler with wetting rains and cooler temperatures in the forecast. 

 

Evacuations:

  • Evac Order: all residences EAST/NORTHEAST from Allen Ranch south on Blue Slide Road to the intersection of the BPA power lines, following the power lines through Ashley Creek to the Thompson River.
  • Pre-Evac/Warning: all residences to the WEST from Allen Ranch south along Blue Slide Road to the intersection of Highway 200, on the west side of the Clark Fork River.

The color-coded evacuation maps are located on InciWeb and Facebook. 206 residents are currently under evacuation orders. The team is coordinating closely with local law enforcement and emergency management officials with the goal of returning residents home as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

Closures and Additional Information:

  • The Red Cross Shelter in Thompson Falls has gone to standby status. If you need assistance, please call 800-272-6668.
  • Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at https://sites.google.com/firenet.gov/wfaqrp-airfire-tools/
  • Temporary flight restrictions specific to Thorne Creek Fire: tfr.faa.gov
  • Information Sign Boards are located at Ainsworth Park, Harvest Foods, and Wild Goose Landing in Thompson Falls, and the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District in Plains. Local businesses are assisting with information dissemination by posting maps and updates and sharing information cards.
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Forest closure information can be found on InciWeb under the “Maps” and “Closures” tabs.
  • STAGE 2 fire restrictions are in effect; visit mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.
  • Ready, Set, GO! wildland fire preparedness for ranchers and farmers can be found at dnrc.mt.gov.
  • Residents can reduce wildfire risk by following Firewise building construction and vegetation management principles. Visit Firewise.org for more information.
  • No Drone Zone! If you fly, we can’t! Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org
Related Information:
pict20210707-104413-0.pdf (223.58 KB) pict20210707-104449-0.pdf (2.8 MB)

Sanders County Sheriff Makes Change to Portion of Evacuation Areas

Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement

 Sanders County Sheriff Makes Change to Portion of Evacuation Areas

 

All residences in the Graves North East and Graves South East portion of the Evacuation area have been moved back to the Pre-Evacuation warning status. All residences on the west side of Blue Slide road will have no warning at all on them. The road block on the Graves Creek road has been moved back to the Forest Service boundary.

Thank you for your patience and assistance while we deal with this fire.

Sanders County Sheriff's Office

updated evacuation area status as of August 7 
A larger Pdf version of this map can be viewed by clicking below or viewing in the maps section of this Inciweb page.  

Related Information:
pict20210707-144654-0.pdf (3.29 MB)

West Lolo Complex Daily Update Sunday August 8

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

  

West Lolo Complex (Thorne Creek Fire)

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

August 8, 2021

 

 


Contact Information


Thorne Creek Fire Statistics

  • Location: 5 miles NE of Thompson Falls
  • Date of Origin: 7/7/2021
  • Cause: Lightning
  • Acres: 21,967
  • Containment: 15%
  • Injuries: 4

Resources
  • Crews: 4                       
  •  Dozers: 4
  • Engines: 19                   
  • Skidgens: 2                      
  • Helicopters: 4              
  • Feller Bunchers: 2              
  • Water Tenders: 11       
  • Masticator: 2
  • Personnel: 420 

Summary: Scattered, light rain and cooler temperatures are expected over the fire today. Firefighters will continue to focus on securing control lines between Weber Gulch and Ashley creek after aerial and hand firing operations were completed overnight. Forty additional Montana National and Air Guard personnel arrived yesterday and will begin work on the fire line today. Increased containment along Divisions Charlie and Zulu allowed the Sanders County Sheriff to reduce evacuations in some areas north of Thompson Falls.

Yesterday: Craig and Wyoming Hotshots continued hand ignitions from Dry Gulch into Ashley Creek to build depth along the control lines east of Thompson Falls. Aerial ignitions continued in the higher elevations of Ashley Creek. Containment was increased in the northwest area of the fire, in Divisions Charlie and Zulu, which allowed evacuation orders in Graves NE and Graves SE to be reduced to evacuation warnings. Evacuation warnings in Graves NW and Graves SW were lifted. A community meeting was held Saturday evening and was attended by 72-community members.

Today: With firing operations completed overnight and light precipitation expected, fire personnel in Division November will monitor fire activity and perform mop up of areas of heat as needed and when safe to do so. Indirect line construction and improvement have been completed in Divisions Echo and Juliet. Divisions Charlie and Zulu have been contained and will remain in patrol status.

During night shift on August 7, 2021, an individual violated the closure order and was detained by security personnel. The person was later transferred to the custody of local law enforcement.

Weather: A system passing over the fire area will bring scattered, light rain through the afternoon with precipitation wrapping up by Monday morning. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 60’s in the valleys with 50’s at higher elevations. Winds are expected to be light and out of the W/NW. Cooler temperatures are expected to continue into Monday before a drying and warming trend begins on Tuesday.

Evacuations:

  • Evac Order: all residences in the Harlow and Ashley zones.
  • Pre-Evac/Warning: all residences in the Graves NE and Graves SE zones.

The color-coded evacuation maps are located on InciWeb and Facebook. The team is coordinating closely with local law enforcement and emergency management officials with the goal of returning residents home as soon as it is safe to do so.

Closures and Additional Information:

  • The Red Cross Shelter in Thompson Falls has gone to standby status. If you need assistance, please call 800-272-6668.
  • Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at https://sites.google.com/firenet.gov/wfaqrp-airfire-tools/
  • Temporary flight restrictions specific to Thorne Creek Fire: tfr.faa.gov
  • Information Sign Boards are located at Ainsworth Park, Harvest Foods, and Wild Goose Landing in Thompson Falls, and the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District in Plains. Local businesses are assisting with information dissemination by posting maps and updates and sharing information cards.
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Forest closure information can be found on InciWeb under the “Maps” and “Closures” tabs.
  • STAGE 2 fire restrictions are in effect; visit mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.
  • Ready, Set, GO! wildland fire preparedness for ranchers and farmers can be found at dnrc.mt.gov.
  • Residents can reduce wildfire risk by following Firewise building construction and vegetation management principles. Visit Firewise.org for more information.
  • No Drone Zone! If you fly, we can’t! Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org
Related Information:
pict20210708-103936-0.pdf (147.72 KB) pict20210708-104018-0.pdf (2.8 MB)
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