INCIDENT UPDATE
An infrared mapping flight yesterday reinforced that the fire is still holding heat, even after wetting rain this past weekend. Areas of heat include the SW corner, and the eastern edge. A prescribed burn from 2018 abuts the fire in this southeast corner of the fire, and removed much of the duff layer, helping with fire containment in this area.
Potential for fire spread early this week is low, but fuels will dry out as the week progresses. Crews continue to secure the more active fire areas and are brushing the Red Meadow Road heading west and are close to being finished with the structural defense plan in the evacuation zone.
With the advent of better weather, two Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the incident will take a more active role. There will be a community meeting at the Sondreson Hall on Wednesday, August 11, at 6:00 pm.
Montana is experiencing EXTREME fire danger; Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect with campfires prohibited. Know Before You Go- Visit www.mtfireinfo.org for additional Montana fire restrictions.
EVACUATIONS
Evacuation Warnings include all residences east and west of the North Fork Road from Home Ranch Bottoms north to 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
Rain gauges and a Remote Area Weather Station (RAWS) in the vicinity of the fire recorded an average of 1 inch of precipitation during this last rain event. Highs will be in the mid-60’s to mid-70s today, with 20-30 mph winds. The rest of the week is forecast to return to warmer, dryer weather.
Travelers should drive defensively, due to fire traffic and road construction in the area. 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. It is burning in the North Fork area of the Flathead National Forest at 5,200 – 7,100 feet of elevation and is being managed under a full suppression strategy.
Public and firefighter safety is the number one priority. The fire has no reported injuries to date.