(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
Continue reading Hay Creek Fire – Incident Update for July 24