Single Publication

Gravel Pit Fire Daily Update

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Northwest Land Office

WESTERN MONTANA ALL HAZARDS IMT    │    INCIDENT COMMANDER: KEN PARKS                                          

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-gravel-pit-fire

2023.gravelpit@firenet.gov      (406) 247-0514

Friday, August 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Location: 25 miles southeast of Libby, near Silver Butte

Start Date: 8/1/23                   Cause: Human            Size: 304 acres                 Containment: 86%

Total Personnel: 68                Engines:  4                  Tenders: 2                   Hand Crews: 2

SPECIAL WEATHER MESSAGE

A Red Flag Warning is in effect in much of western Montana until midnight on Friday. Fires will start easily, intensify rapidly, and spread quickly. Eliminate human-caused fire starts.

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday to the east, crews removed burning stumps and opened brush piles. Opening brush piles involves carefully dismantling or spreading out piles of brush or vegetation that are smoldering underneath, to expose hidden sources of heat. To the west, fire crews located and extinguished hot spots, working in a grid pattern through the interior of the fire’s perimeter, including green areas of unburned materials.

PLANNED ACTIONS

Firefighting crews will continue to work in a grid pattern, systematically covering areas within the fire perimeter. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage and allows crews to locate and extinguish sources of heat effectively, reducing the risk of flare-ups. With the predicted winds today, flare-ups are a concern as they increase the potential for hot embers to travel across the fireline and cause spot fires. Engines and crews will be available for initial attack and will respond quickly to prevent any new fires from growing out of control.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

There is a slight chance for some showers and thunderstorms this morning. Winds will be 18-21 mph out of the southwest. The worst fire weather conditions are expected this evening through midnight.

Fire behavior is low, with smoldering and creeping, but the potential exists for more active fire behavior with the hot, dry weather pattern over the next three days.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

There are no evacuation warnings, evacuations, or closures currently in effect for the Gravel Pit Fire. All Lincoln County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by downloading the Code Red application and entering contact information. Code Red is the primary notification system to alert residents of evacuations.