INCIDENT UPDATE
The western flank of the fire remained the most active during the burn period on Sunday. Crews continue to prep the Hay Creek Road #376 and evaluate conditions for future firing operations if necessary. Heavy equipment task forces continue their work widening and establishing roads and fuels breaks along primary and contingency lines west of the North Fork Road. A structure protection group was established to assess properties and historic cabins in the North Fork area.
The area received precipitation yesterday evening, quieting fire behavior and slowing the rate of spread. Precipitation can subdue fire behavior in the short term, but overall season trends will likely result in future increased fire activity. Exercise caution when driving in the area due to rainfall and the potential for downed trees due to wind.
A new fire, the Gun Range Fire, was reported along the North Fork Road just north of Columbia Falls Sunday afternoon. Aerial resources from the Hay Creek Fire responded for initial attack assistance.
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 in the long term. Rain is likely again in today’s forecast with the potential for storms and shifting winds in the afternoon. 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 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.