INCIDENT UPDATE

Today, August 13 there will be a transition meeting as the California Incident Management Team 13 turns over control to a local team. The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy.

Large log decks on Spruce Creek Road, Hay Creek Fire, August 12, 2021 - USFS — Large log decks on Spruce Creek Road, Hay Creek Fire, August 12, 2021 – USFS

With warmer conditions on Thursday, a few smokes in the SW corner off the Hay Creek Road were mopped up by crews. Yesterday, air operations supported a flight to repair wrap on the Coal Ridge Lookout Cabin, after high winds tore off some of the original protection on the roof. The county grader and 2 water tenders ordered by the fire worked on improving the Hay Creek Road yesterday. Fuel reduction off the Red Meadow Road is close to completion.

A recon flight with the incoming local Incident Commander took place yesterday, and two incident Black Hawk helicopters were loaned to the Haystack and South Yaak fires. Today, operations will take a flight to get eyes on the fire.

Montana is in VERY HIGH 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 remain in effect. 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

Today will be another sunny, warm day, with highs in the 80’s. Light winds will be out of the SSW at 10 to 15, with relative humidity dropping into the mid-20s during the afternoon, with overnight recoveries reaching 40 to 50 percent in the upper elevations.

Due to fire traffic and road construction in the area, travelers should drive defensively. 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. Public and firefighter safety is the number one priority.