(PDF version of this document: 2021-07-27-HayCreek-FNF-Update.pdf)

INCIDENT UPDATE

On Monday, afternoon cloud cover moderated fire activity. The fire remained active on the west flank, exhibiting isolated and group tree torching and short wind-driven crown runs. The priority objective is holding the line at the Hay Creek Road. Crews are laying hose and will potentially initiate firing operations to burn the remaining available fuels along the road if conditions allow. Spot fires to the south of the road were checked by bucket drops for the second day. Heavy equipment task forces will continue work to widen existing roads to connect past silvicultural forest treatments and build contingency lines.

A new spot fire was detected on the lower third of the south facing aspect in front of the east flank, estimated at ¼ acre. The spot is expected to establish and burn out available fuels ahead of the main fire.

Active fire behavior will likely continue to be observed at night due to low humidity and warm evening temperatures.

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 north to and including Moose Creek Road and the community of Polebridge. Glacier National Park (NP) has issued an Evacuation Warning for the North Fork area of Glacier NP 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://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 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 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.

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.