INCIDENT UPDATE
The management of the Hay Creek Fire has transitioned to California Interagency Incident Management Team (IMT) 13 led by Incident Commander Michael Wakoski as of 7am. The Incident Command Post is based in the West Glacier area. They worked closely with the previous IMT to ensure a smooth transition and are committed to working with the local communities and cooperators.
Fire activity remained active yesterday on both the east and west flanks, with continued nighttime activity primarily on the western flank. The fire is backing and flanking, slowly burning through the available fuels north of the Hay Creek Road #376. Heavy equipment task forces are continuing work to widen and reinforce established roads and fuel breaks along primary and contingency lines west of the North Fork Road.
Grading and dust abatement operations on the North Fork Road south of the Camas intersection have been completed. Travels are cautioned that there will be increased fire traffic in the area. Most of Montana is experiencing EXTREME fire danger; Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Know Before You Go- Visit www.mtfireinfo.org for Montana fire restrictions.
EVACUATIONS
Evacuation Warnings include all residences east and west of the North Fork Road from Home Ranch Bottoms north to and including Moose Creek Road and the community of Polebridge. Glacier National Park has issued an Evacuation Warning for the North Fork area of Glacier National Park north of Logging Creek. See details at https://go.usa.gov/xFjcA and Current Fire Information – Glacier National Park.
CLOSURES
Road and trail closures are in place. See details at Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7712/62192/.
WEATHER AND AIR QUALITY
Continued hot and dry conditions are expected, there is a slight chance of showers in the area with potential for a thunderstorm late Sunday. For the most current fire weather forecast go to https://www.weather.gov/wrh/fire?wfo=mso. For smoke and air quality go to http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/. For current visibility in Glacier NP see https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm.
INCIDENT BACKGROUND
The Hay Creek Fire was reported on the evening of July 21, 2021, caused by lightning. It is burning in the North Fork area of the Flathead National Forest and is being managed under a full suppression strategy.
Public and firefighter safety is the number one priority. Additional priorities include minimizing impacts to private property, structures and critical infrastructure, and road corridors and natural resources. Due to high fire activity in our region and across the country, resources are limited and prioritized.