(PDF version of this document: 2021-07-26-HayCreek-FNF-Update FINAL.pdf)

INCIDENT UPDATE

On Sunday the fire continued to back all the way down to the Hay Creek Road in several areas. The fire was most active on the west flank with isolated and group torching, and short wind-driven crown runs. Spot fires south of the Hay Creek Road were cooled down by bucket drops from a Type 1 helicopter.

The fire is anticipated to be active again today with the potential for large volumes of smoke from the west flank. A task force of heavy equipment will continue work to widen existing roads to connect past silvicultural forest treatments and build contingency lines. Firefighters will work to hold the Hay Creek Road and continue work with the Sheriff’s Department to identify needs and strengthen plans for structure protection.

EVACUATIONS

The Flathead County Sheriff’s department has expanded the phased Evacuation Warning to include all residences east and west of the North Fork Road from Home Ranch Bottoms up 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 have been put in place and have been expanded. See details at Inciweb: https://go.usa.gov/xFjcC.

WEATHER AND AIR QUALITY

Warm, dry, breezy conditions are forecasted for today. 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 National Park 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 by a local 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, structures and 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.

PREVENTION MESSAGE

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.