The National Weather Service says fire-weather conditions now exist across much of Montana, with high temperatures, low humidity and strong wind gusts forecast through tomorrow. Red flag warnings are in effect.
Meteorologist Luke Robinson in Missoula says the so-called red flag warnings help local fire officials, “When we expect really hot and dry conditions coupled with windy conditions that will have a culmination of creating critical fire weather conditions.”
Northwest Montana, from Missoula up to the Canadian border should expect 25 to 30 mile per hour wind gusts that should die down around sunset. Southwest Montana should also expect gusty winds along with thunderstorms. Similar conditions are expected for Friday.
A public meeting will be held at the Yaak Fire Station tonigh at 7 p.m. to discuss the Davis Fire and the others burning on the Kootenai National Forest.
A community meeting is scheduled for Monday August 6, at 7 p.m. at the Community Protestant Church, in West Yellowstone, MT. Fire Managers will give a short overview and update of the Bacon Rind Fire.
Despite the fire-weather forecasts, activity has been minimal this week on the large fires burning in Montana.
The 200 plus acre Davis Fire is the largest of several burning on the Kootenai National Forest. It remains 0 percent contained. Crews have been working to improve access along the east side of the fire and build fire line, according to Inciweb. Some National Forest lands and roads in the area are closed due to the fire.
A public meeting will be held at the Yaak Fire Station on Thursday, August 2 at 7 p.m. to discuss the Davis Fire and the others burning on the Kootenai National Forest.
In the Idaho panhandle, the 600 acre Cougar Fire is active 5 miles east of East Hope, ID. Smokejumpers and aerial resources have been assigned to the fire, according to Inciweb.
On the Ten Mile Fire, also burning on the Kootenai National Forest, fire resources were pulled from the line yesterday due to safety concerns with active fire behavior, according to Inciweb. The 40 acre fire is 0 percent contained. Mangers plan to continue air support. Some forest roads and trails are closed due to the fire.
Fire managers say the 12 acre Porcupine Fire, also on the Kootenai National Forest, is now 20 percent contained. Forest road 92 is closed for firefighter protection east from the junction with the Basin Creek Road and west from the Boulder/Sullivan Cuttoff Road.
Fire mangers report no new growth on the 70 acre Highway 37 Fire near Libby, where asbestos contamination is complicating the firefighting efforts. The fire is 80 percent contained, and crews continue to work on mop-up and extinguishing hot spots.
The Bacon Rind Fire in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness hasn't grown much this week. Due to safety concerns, firefighters are not currently fighting the fire. The nearby Bacon Rind Trail is now closed from the Yellowstone Park boundary to it's intersection with the Teepee Basin Trail.
A community meeting is scheduled for Monday August 6, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Community Protestant Church, 505 N Electric Street, West Yellowstone, MT. Fire Managers will give a short overview and update of the Bacon Rind Fire.
