This just in courtesy of Stephen Houser, Assistant Fire Management Officer – Fuels, for the Flathead Forest’s Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District . . .
Thunderstorms on Saturday 8/22 and Sunday 8/23 have resulted in three new fire starts in the Nortk Fork drainage recently. See below for an update on our response to these fires:
Cyclone Creek Fire – 2/10th acre, located approximately ½ mile southwest of Cyclone Lake. The fire was reported by Cyclone Lookout on the morning of Sunday, 8/23 and two Forest Service fire engines from Hungry Horse responded. The fire required significant chainsaw work and a hose lay supported by the engines was utilized to provide water to the fire. At this time, the fire has been controlled and is in patrol status.
Larch Fire – 2/10th acre, located approximately 5 miles up the Red Meadow Road. The fire is burning on a north facing aspect, approximately ½ mile south of the road. The fire was reported by a member of the public on the afternoon of Monday, 8/24 and reported to 911. Two Forest Service fire engines from Hungry Horse have responded and are cutting/digging fireline currently. A portable pump and a small nearby creek will be utilized to supply water to the fire. Firefighters will remain on scene overnight and continue working toward containment. Containment is expected in the next couple of days.
Moran Fire – 4/10th acre and located on a ridgetop in the Hay Creek drainage 1.5 miles northwest of Moran Peak. The fire was discovered today, 8/25 by a passing airplane and called in to 911. A type 1 helicopter with a bucket was ordered shortly after discovery and has been dropping water on the fire this afternoon. Four rappellers from Libby have been inserted on the fire this afternoon with four more coming this evening. Firefighters will begin fireline construction and continue utilizing helicopters to keep the fire spread in check.
We were able to get a fixed wing detection flight over the Glacier View District this afternoon, and no additional smokes were found.
There are no trail, road, or area closures currently.
This is simply an email to let everyone know what fire activity is going on in the north Fork. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Stephen Houser
Assistant Fire Management Officer – Fuels
Forest Service
Flathead National Forest, Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District
p: 406-387-3830
c: 406-212-5992
stephen.houser@usda.gov