(PDF version of this document: 2021-07-25-HayCreek-FNF-Update FINAL.pdf)

INCIDENT UPDATE

Calmer winds led to less fire spread on Saturday. The fire slowly backed down to the Hay Creek Road. Two helicopters dropped water to help control fire spread, including on a new spot fire of lower intensity. Existing roads and timber units were tied together with dozer line to provide additional protection in the area of the Moran Basin Road #5241.

Today, resources will continue to reinforce shaded fuel breaks and use heavy equipment to tie together existing roads and fuel breaks to limit future fire growth. Crews will identify needs for possible structure protection.

EVACUATIONS

The Flathead County Sheriff’s department expanded the Evacuation Warning area. In addition, 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 have been put in place. See details at Inciweb: https://go.usa.gov/xFjcC.

WEATHER AND AIR QUALITY

Warm and dry conditions will continue through at least Monday. For the most current fire weather forecast go to https://www.weather.gov/wrh/fire?wfo=mso. For detailed information about smoke and air quality, visit http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/. Glacier National Park visibility can be monitored at the Glacier National Park Webcams.

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.

NO DRONE ZONE

Do not fly a drone near a wildfire! Drones interfere with wildland fire air traffic – if you fly, we can’t. https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/community_engagement/no_drone_zone/

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.