Warm and dry weather has contributed to many fires in the area this year. As many of them are being contained, we offer the following information as it was updated on 8-29-2023, according to https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/
The Bowles Creek Fire is currently at 6,988 acres. Fire crews will be present along Hwy 38, Skalkaho Road, as fire operations and fire rehabilitation work continue. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and be aware of increased fire traffic.
Completion of fire management objectives remains at 28%. Due to limited fire activity, fire personnel are beginning to focus on suppression rehabilitation to mitigate adverse resource effects resulting from fire suppression activities. Crew will focus on the protection of wilderness study areas and roadless characteristics, surface erosion control, weed suppression, maintenance of forest improvements, and developed and undeveloped recreation sites. Sitework will encompass previously built handlines and other contingency lines, safety zones, drop points, fueling locations, spike camps, heliwells, and helispots (both related to helicopter operations).
The River Road East fire continues to grow near the Clark Fork and Flathead Rivers in Sanders County. Fire activity continues to be significant along the river corridor. The department received a request from fire incident command to close portions of the Clark Fork and Flathead Rivers near the fire area.
Aerial fire operations are occurring along the river corridor and the fire is expected to continue to grow presenting safety issues for fire personnel and the public in the river corridor. In order to protect the public and fire personnel from any injuries resulting from the River Road East Fire, the Flathead River from the Flathead Indian Reservation Boundary downstream to the confluence of the Clark Fork River is closed to all public occupation and recreation. For the same reasons, the Clark Fork River is closed to all public occupation and recreation from the Highway 135 Bridge at Ferry Landing downstream to the Clark Fork River Bridge in Plains, Montana.
Other fires include:
Ridge Fire located six miles southeast of Hungry Horse, is 3665 acres in size, 76% contained, and 375 personnel assigned.
Doris Point Fire located 8 miles south of Hungry Horse, is 1587 acres in size, 58% contained, and 58 personnel assigned.
Tin Soldier Fires located 17 miles east of Swan Lake, is 8165 acres in size, 20% contained, and 138 personnel assigned.
Big Knife fire is 7276 acres in size, and 17% contained.
Sullivan fire is 3726 acres in size, and 81% contained.
Bruce fire is 3613 acres in size, and 81% contained.
Colt fire is 7154 acres in size, and 93% contained.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
