INCIDENT UPDATE
Thursday’s activities focused on a second test firing operation in the southeast edge to tie in with the existing avalanche chute. Heavy equipment was used to reinforce fuel breaks in the Spruce Creek area. There continues to be areas of intense heat along the whole perimeter of the fire, and up high on the ridges and on the western flank.
Crews will work today toward expanding containment along the Hay Creek Road. Equipment will be working in the Spruce Creek area. Historic fuel breaks are being tied together to make a contiguous line east of the fire. Interagency fire crews will work with the public in the evacuation warning area to reduce fuels and protect structures. Public landowners are also working to create defensible space around their homes. Information on this process can be found at Creation and Maintenance of the Home Ignition Zone. (mt.gov)
As we approach the weekend and increased traffic, travelers need to have a heightened awareness to drive defensively, due to fire traffic and road construction in the area. 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 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
A cold front moved in last night, so cooler temperatures and notably stronger winds are expected later today through Saturday with gusts to at least 40 mph possible. A chance of showers and thunderstorms will continue through the weekend. 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 feet of elevation 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.