(PDF version of this document: 2021-07-24-HayCreek-FNF-Update FINAL.pdf)

INCIDENT UPDATE

The Hay Creek fire grew to over 1,006 acres Friday afternoon and is currently 4 miles west of Polebridge. The fire is burning in heavy decadent timber on steep slopes of the Hay Creek and South Fork Red Meadow drainages. Single and group tree torching, short-range spotting, and short crown runs occurred throughout the afternoon. This moderate fire behavior combined with the heavy timber fuel type resulted in substantial smoke production. The fire is more active on drier south-facing slopes and under wind influence, but moderates on north-facing slopes. Today firefighting resources including heavy equipment and hand-crews will continue brushing out roads and improving fuel breaks on the Hay Creek, Red Meadow, and Spruce Creek Roads.

EVACUATIONS

The Flathead County Sheriff’s department issued 20 pre-evacuation notices to structures in the vicinity of the Hay Creek Fire on Wednesday, July 22. See details at Inciweb: July 22, 2021 Evacuation Warning

CLOSURES

Road and trail closures are in place. See details at Inciweb: Flathead National Forest Closure Order

WEATHER AND AIR QUALITY

Weather continues to be hot and dry with potential for gusty winds. For the fire weather forecast go to Northern Rockies Coordination Center https://www.weather.gov/wrh/fire?wfo=mso

For detailed information about smoke and air quality, visit: http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/.

INCIDENT BACKGROUND

The Hay Creek Fire was reported, and initial attack resources responded on the evening of July 21, 2021. It is burning in the Hay Creek drainage in the North Fork area of the Flathead National Forest and is being managed by a Type 3 Incident Management Team under a full suppression strategy using aviation resources and indirect tactics.

Public and firefighter safety is the number one priority. Additional priorities include minimizing impacts to private property, critical infrastructure, and road corridors. Due to high fire activity in our region and across the country, resources are limited and are prioritized to areas of greatest values-at-risk, such as threats to human health and safety.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Travelers are asked to SLOW DOWN and maintain safe distance in dusty or smoky conditions with low visibility. Be aware of and stay clear of firefighting and heavy equipment operations.

PREVENTION MESSAGE

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions go into effect in the Flathead at 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 26, 2021. Most of western Montana is experiencing EXTREME fire danger and is in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Know Before You Go- Visit www.mtfireinfo.org for current Montana fire restrictions. Fire restrictions help reduce fire risk and prevent wildfire during periods of HIGH to EXTREME fire danger. One less spark, one less wildfire.