INCIDENT UPDATE

[Note: Unless conditions worsen, the Type 3 team won’t be putting out a daily report. The report frequency will be every couple of days, if not longer, depending on fire behavior.]

Saturday, engines from Glacier National Park and the Department of Natural Resources worked to mop up hot spots in the SW corner of the fire. Sunday crews continued to mop up additional spots along Hay Creek Road # 376 and are patrolling this area as needed.

The Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the fire assisted with initial attack on the Big Hawk fire near the Jewel Basin on Friday, and on Sunday it flew to the 2700 Boulder Fire to assist with bucket drops of water. Crews and equipment are working to complete control lines.

Until wetter weather arrives this week, isolated smokes from areas of residual heat are expected. This information will be updated on Wednesday, August 18, or as conditions warrant.

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

Hot, dry, smokey conditions will continue today, with highs in 80s and southwest winds gusting up to 30 mph. Cooler weather in the 60s and wetting rain are forecast for Tuesday into Wednesday. Winds will be lighter on Tuesday and flip around to the NE. Polebridge weather updates: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=48.7644&lon=-114.2841#.YRccO4hKjIU

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. There have been no reportable injuries to date.