InciWeb
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
OtherThe Gravel Pit Fire is burning in heavy fuels on a mix of private and federal land located along Highway 2 near Houghton Creek and McGinnis Meadows Roads. The human-caused fire was discovered on Tuesday, August 1. Firefighters from Montana DNRC, USFS and Fisher River Valley Fire Rescue responded quickly after it was reported. Fire activity includes spotting, torching and active consumption of heavy fuels.
The Gravel Pit Fire is a full suppression fire. Firefighters are continuing to construct and improve fuel breaks and containment lines. Additionally, crews have performed structure protection assessments and preparations. Air resources have been used as needed to slow fire spread and cool down areas of heat.
For the safety of firefighters and first responders, avoid traveling through the incident area along Hwy 2 whenever possible. If you must travel, please exercise extreme caution, slow down, and DO NOT STOP along Hwy 2! Due to fire activity and intermittent smoke across the roadway, visibility may be impaired. Watch out for emergency vehicles if you must travel in this area.
The Western Montana All-Hazards Incident Management Team will transfer command of the Gravel Pit Fire to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Libby Unit at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2023. This will be the final update the Gravel Pit Fire unless conditions change.
| Current as of | Tue, 04/23/2024 - 15:20 |
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| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Human Caused |
| Date of Origin | |
| Location | 25 miles southeast of Libby, MT |
| Incident Commander | Ken Parks, Incident Commander, Western Montana Incident Management Team |
| Coordinates |
48° 1' 38.3982'' Latitude
-115° 21' 16.2
'' Longitude
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| Total Personnel: | 68 |
|---|---|
| Size | 304 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 95% |
| Fuels Involved | Timber (grass and understory), brush (2 feet) and short grass (1 foot). |
| Planned Actions |
Crews will continue with mop-up activities, backhaul hose, support dozer line, support hose lay with engines, and respond to new fire starts. |
|---|---|
| Projected Incident Activity |
Crews will continue to mop up and grid for hotspots within containment lines. |
| Remarks |
Avoid traveling through the incident area whenever possible. If travel is necessary, watch for emergency vehicles and exercise extreme caution allowing for adequate visibility and firefighter safety. |
| Weather Concerns | Saturday will see cooler temperatures, but still very dry, with RHs expected in the low teens. A wind shift will occur Friday night to more northerly, which will remain in place over the fire through Sunday morning. |
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