August 13, 2018 Northwest Zone Interagency Fire Coordination Group

Northwest Zone Interagency Fire Coordination Group

RELEASE DATE: Monday, August 13, 2018 – 15:30 p.m. Current Fire Danger: EXTREME

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: All jurisdictional agencies in the NW Zone Fire Management Area will enter Stage II Restrictions at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 16, 2018. This includes: Flathead National Forest, Flathead County, DNRC NW Land Office Kalispell, Libby, Plains Units; Kootenai National Forest, Lincoln County, Sanders County, Lake County.

Glacier National Park is entering Stage II Fire Restrictions at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, August 14.

Current Restrictions: Sanders County: Stage II Kootenai National Forest: Stage I Libby & Plains Units, Montana DNRC: Stage I

MULTIPLE LIGHTNING STRIKES ACROSS THE FIRE AREA WERE RECORDED SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2018, WITH CONFIRMED FIRES IN ALL JURISDICTIONS. MULTIPLE FIRE REPORTS ARE COMING IN, WITH INITIAL ATTACK OCCURING, RESOURCES RESPONDING, AND MORE FIREFIGHTING RESOURCES BEING ORDERED. A SIZE-UP OF THE BIG PICTURE ACROSS THE AREA IS OCCURING NOW, AND PRIORITIES BEING DETERMINED. Evacuations Glacier National Park 9 p.m. 8/12/2018: Howe Ridge Fire Evacuation Order: Avalanche and Sprague Creek Campgrounds, North Lake McDonald Road (including private residences and Lake McDonald Ranger Station), Lake McDonald Lodge Complex (all businesses, employees, and private residences), private residences along Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed near Apgar to Logan Pass on the west side. Apgar Village and most other areas of the park remain open. Glacier National Park Fire Line: 406-888-7077

U.S. Department U.S. Department Flathead County State of of Interior of Agriculture Montana Montana Montana Sanders County Montana

National Park Forest County Fire Office of Emergency Department of Montana Fish, Wildlife Service Service Wardens Services Natural Resources and Parks Association and Conservation

Northwest Zone Interagency Fire Coordination Group

Kootenai National Forest/Lincoln County The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office issued a pre-evacuation notice at 9:30pm on Aug. 11 for Edna Creek Road, Lake Creek Road, Sutton Ridge Road, and Swamp Creek Road. Residents in those areas are in the SET stage and need to be prepared to evacuate on short notice with important belongings, medicines, and pets prepared to leave. For the most up-to-date info on evacuations call 406-293-6295. Fire Weather Dry conditions and seasonal temperatures will occur today across Montana with light southwest winds except for light northeast winds forecast for west Glacier National Park. Across Montana High pressure will redevelop over the region Tuesday resulting in warmer temperatures, lower humidities and mainly terrain driven winds. For the Kootenai-Flathead/Glacier National Park area today’s fire weather forecast calls for max temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s, with minimum humidities of 18-28% in the valleys and 34-44% ridgetops. Tuesday temperatures are forecast in the 80-90s in the valleys and 70-75 on the ridgetops. Fire Danger in western Montana is Extreme, and will likely remain so for a while. Northwest Montana continues to experience critical fire conditions including extremely dry forest fuels and minimal precipitation, and this trend is expected to continue through August. Fuel moisture indices are measuring at very low levels. Fire Restriction Discussion For specific fire restriction orders, visit https://firerestrictions.us/mt/ Stage I: • Area: Kootenai National Forest, Lincoln County, Libby and Plains Units of the Montana DNRC • Campfires and other fires are prohibited except in approved recreation sites, as designated on the fire prevention order. Liquid petroleum and LPG stoves that can be turned off are allowed. • Smoking is prohibited outside of vehicles, buildings, and developed recreation sites, unless you are in a 3-foot diameter area cleared of all burnable vegetation. Stage II: • Area: Sanders County (8/14 Glacier National Park, 8/16: • Campfires and other fires are prohibited everywhere. Liquid petroleum and LPG stoves that can be turned off are allowed. • Smoking is prohibited outside of vehicles, buildings, and developed recreation sites, unless you are in a 3-foot diameter area cleared of all burnable vegetation. • Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails is prohibited. • Operating any internal combustion engine, welding, operating a torch with open flame and using explosives are prohibited from 1:00 pm – 1:00 a.m. A one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of all of these activities.

U.S. Department U.S. Department Flathead County State of of Interior of Agriculture Montana Montana Montana Sanders County Montana

National Park Forest County Fire Office of Emergency Department of Montana Fish, Wildlife Service Service Wardens Services Natural Resources and Parks Association and Conservation

Northwest Zone Interagency Fire Coordination Group

FIRE UPDATES Flathead National Forest: Fire Name Start Date Acres Cause Status Paola Ridge* Closure Map August 11 250 Lightning Resources on scene Hungry Horse RD Coal Ridge* Closure Map August 11 300 Lightning Resources shared Glacier View RD w/Paola Whale Butte August 11 4 Lightning Resources on scene Glacier View RD Lost Creek August 11 0.25 Lightning Resources on scene Tally Lake RD Tally Mountain August 11 2 Lightening Resources on scene Tally Lake RD Brownstone August 2 1084 Lightning Active, remote Spotted Bear RD location https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident /6103/ *See attached updates for more information on these fires. Kootenai National Forest* Fire Name Start Date Acres Cause Status Davis Fire July 29 5479 Lightning 5% contained, Type 2 https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident IMT /6074/ Surprise Gulch August 11 13 Lightning Resources on scene Tenmile 679 Lightning Resources on scene, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6 30% containment 079/ Sterling Complex (Pinkham 333 August 11 544 Lighting Resources on scene acres, Huckleberry/Cliff 211 acres) *See attached release for more information on the Kootenai National Forest fires. Montana DNRC Kalispell Unit* Fire Name Start Date Acres Cause Status Bear Springs August 11 18.5 Lightning Resources on scene *See attached release for more information on the DNRC fires.

U.S. Department U.S. Department Flathead County State of of Interior of Agriculture Montana Montana Montana Sanders County Montana

National Park Forest County Fire Office of Emergency Department of Montana Fish, Wildlife Service Service Wardens Services Natural Resources and Parks Association and Conservation

Northwest Zone Interagency Fire Coordination Group

Glacier National Park Fire Name Start Date Acres Cause Status Howe Ridge August 11 1,500- Lightning Resources on scene 2,500 Numa Ridge Aug. 11 1.36 Lightning Resources on scene Heavens Sake Aug. 11 0.1 Lightning Resources on scene *See attached release for more information on the Glacier National Park fires.

Flathead County Flathead County fire departments continue to respond to numerous preventable fires. These include illegal debris burning, excessively large bonfires, out of control campfires, careless discarding of smoking materials and fires started by dragging trailer chains. We are asking all members of the community to minimize the use of campfires, tighten up their trailer chains, and stop illegal burning. Lincoln County See evacuations for information on pre-evacuation notices in Lincoln County. Sanders County SMOKE AND FIRE continues to impact western Montana but Sanders County seems to at least temporarily be out of the eye of the storm on the wildfire front. The Munson Fire is being managed in conjunction with Weeksville, is one acre and 100% contained. The Montana DNRC is now patrolling the 1.1 acre Bold Peak Fire (declared contained and controlled yesterday) burning 35 miles north of Plains. Fire Name Start Acres Cause Status Date Garden Creek Fire (CS&KT) July 29 2052 Lightning 20% Contained, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6098/ 255 personnel Weeksville Fire, Lolo NF August 54 Escaped 70% contained, 60 https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6127/ 10 house fire personnel

U.S. Department U.S. Department Flathead County State of of Interior of Agriculture Montana Montana Montana Sanders County Montana

National Park Forest County Fire Office of Emergency Department of Montana Fish, Wildlife Service Service Wardens Services Natural Resources and Parks Association and Conservation

Northwest Zone Interagency Fire Coordination Group

Air Quality Information Smoke has continued to impact the Flathead Valley this week. You can check out the air quality for the valley and around the state by visiting the Flathead City-County Health Department website: http://flatheadhealth.org/environmental-health/air-quality/ and www.airnow.gov Prevention Message What can you do to reduce the risk to your property from wildfire NOW? Here are 7 easy ways to reduce that risk to your home. Visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public- Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Preparing- homes-for-wildfire for even more great graphics and tips for preparing your home! For even more information about preparing your family, home, property, and community for wildfire, go to: www.firewise.org www.wildlandfirersg.org www.fireadapted.org www.disastersafety.org/wildfire

U.S. Department U.S. Department Flathead County State of of Interior of Agriculture Montana Montana Montana Sanders County Montana

National Park Forest County Fire Office of Emergency Department of Montana Fish, Wildlife Service Service Wardens Services Natural Resources and Parks Association and Conservation

Northwest Zone Interagency Fire Coordination Group

Media Inquiries For media inquiries related to a specific fire, contact the appropriate agency below:

Flathead National Forest: Janette Turk (406-758-5252) Web: http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlatheadNF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertheflathead Kootenai National Forest: Shawn Ray-Delmas (406-283-7693) Web: https://www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kootenainf/ MT Department of Natural Resources and Conservation: Ali Ulwelling (406-751-2270 or 406-250-4825) Web: http://dnrc.mt.gov Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MontanaDNRC

Glacier National Park: Lauren Alley (406-888-5838) Web: http://www.nps.gov/glac Facebook: http://facebook.com/GlacierNPS Flathead County Office of Emergency Services: Rick Sacca (406-249-6913) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlatheadOES Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlatheadOES Web: https://flathead.mt.gov/oes/ Sanders County Martha Jo Smith (406-250-0231) Web: http://co.sanders.mt.us/departments/emergency-management/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCWildlandFireMT/

U.S. Department U.S. Department Flathead County State of of Interior of Agriculture Montana Montana Montana Sanders County Montana

National Park Forest County Fire Office of Emergency Department of Montana Fish, Wildlife Service Service Wardens Services Natural Resources and Parks Association and Conservation

Northwest Zone Interagency Fire Coordination Group

Individual Unit Updates Attached • Glacier National Park Howe Fire Update August 13, 2018 • Montana DNRC Bear Springs Fire Update August 13, 2018 • Kootenai National Forest Fire Activity Update August 13, 2018 • Flathead National Forest Paola Fire Update and Closure Map August 13, 2018 • Flathead National Forest Coal Ridge Fire Update and Closure Map August 13, 2018

U.S. Department U.S. Department Flathead County State of of Interior of Agriculture Montana Montana Montana Sanders County Montana

National Park Forest County Fire Office of Emergency Department of Montana Fish, Wildlife Service Service Wardens Services Natural Resources and Parks Association and Conservation

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www.nps.gov

BEAR SPRINGS FIRE UPDATE Montana DNRC Monday, August 13, 2018

Fire Situation: The Bear Springs Fire is located southwest of Little Fire location: Southwest of Little Bitterroot Lake. Fire progression was stopped at 18.5-acres and is Bitterroot Lake, Marion currently 50% contained. It is a patchy burn with green islands, stump-holes, and heavy fuels continuing to burn and produce Size: 18.5 acres smoke. Today, resources will continue to improve and secure Containment: 50% fireline, search for spot-fires outside of the line, and start mop-up operations. Cause: Lightning

Weather: Warm and dry conditions are expected over the next few Resources: days. Temperatures will be close to 90 again by mid-week, no precipitation is expected, and a cold-front with the potential for winds 8 engines and associated lightning is forecasted for the weekend. 3 water tenders

Evacuations & Closures: There are no structures threated, no 2 dozers evacuations in place, and no closures at this time. 1 skidgen Summary: The Bear Springs Fire was started by lightning around 10-person module 4pm on Saturday, August 11. Local Marion Fire Department and 1 Incident Commander DNRC firefighters responded quickly. Total personnel: 45 As of Sunday evening the Bear Springs fire was 50% contained. Engines, heavy equipment, and aviation resources, including two CL-215 “Super Scoopers” and a DNRC Type 2 Helicopter, were Fire Information Phone: used to slow the fire progression on Saturday. Fire activity was quiet Saturday night and firefighting resources started early Sunday to 406-751-2246 or 751-2270 build dozer and handline while being supported by aviation. Facebook: FireSafe Flathead or the Prevention Message: Please take care to prevent wildfires, as Marion Fire Department our firefighting resources are stretched thin fighting fires across

northwest Montana!

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be in place by Thursday morning. Find out more at www.firerestrictions.us/mt

KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST 2018 FIRE UPDATES AUGUST 13, 2018

The Kootenai National Forest has confirmed eight new fires on the Forest.

Three Rivers Ranger District Fire Updates 8/13/2018:

*Surprise Gulch Fire: Approximately 13 acres, 50% contained. Originally called the Lynx Fire. Located in the area of Lynx Creek and King Mountain approximately 2.5 miles outside of Troy, Mt. The fire crews made great progress on the fire yesterday. They were able to get the fire lined with hose and hold it overnight. The crews picked up one small spot early this morning. The plan of operation for the fire personnel is to continue line construction and increase the depth of the mop-up in the interior. Resources assigned: 2 Engines, 3 Water tenders, and multiple fire personnel.

*Davis Fire: 5479 Acres. 5% contained. Incident Management Type 2 Team assigned. (Fry). IMT is also managing Porcupine incident. Ten miles northwest of Yaak, MT. The southern line is being extended to tie into a natural rock scree in the southwest corner of the fire. A parallel contingency line south of the fire is being improved down to Davis Creek. Sprinklers are still operational on the southeastern line and crews continue to mop up, extinguishing embers within 100 feet of the line. Fire personnel are exploring road access points to the northeastern portion of the new growth of the fire. A small crew will implement protection measures for Garver lookout tower and cabin as a precaution if the fire should move further east. A fire crew and equipment were assigned to the new initial attack on the 15-acre Surprise Gulch Fire on the Three Rivers District, successfully getting a line around it. An area closure around the Davis Fire remains in effect and is expected to expand in response to the growth of the fire. The closure will be located on the Kootenai Forest Service website at: (https://www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai). Forest Road 338 beyond the Beetle Creek Road remains closed to the public for firefighter and public safety. Canadian fire personnel are managing the northern portion of the fire on crown (public) lands obtaining fire information from Davis Fire Base Camp Incident Command and Operations

Current Resources: 5 hand crews, 6 engines, 1 dozer, 2 skidgeons, 2 masticators, 9 water tenders

Expected Weather/Fire behavior: Light winds are predicted today out of the southwest. Temperatures on the fire will be cooler in the low 60’s and humidity higher in the low 30% range. Low to moderate fire growth can be expected with short-range spotting potential less than ¼ mile.

For more information on these wildfires visit www.inciweb.nwcg.gov

*Porcupine Fire: Approximately 17 acres 100% contained in patrol status. Fifteen miles west of Eureka, MT.

KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST 2018 FIRE UPDATES AUGUST 13, 2018

Rexford/ Fortine Ranger District Fire Updates 8/13/2018: Two new fires were confirmed in 8/12/2018. All were human caused. They consisted of a personal equipment and one unknown cause. *Ten Mile Fire: 679 acres Containment: 30%

*Sterling Complex Size: Pinkham Tower-333 acres; Huckleberry/Cliff-211 acres Containment: 0%

Total acreage being managed by Type 2 Incident Management Team 4 (Connell): 3,326 acres Current Status: On August 11, lightning strikes from a brief thunderstorm started five new fires northeast of the Tenmile Fire. Three of these fires have been named the Sterling Complex and are being managed together with the Tenmile Fire. Fire crews continued to mop up and successfully hold the lines on the Tenmile Fire. The Swamp Creek Fire was held to 1 acre and will continue to be monitored. The Huckleberry and Cliff Fires grew together over the weekend and continued to back downslope to the north. Air Tankers with retardant drops worked all day to hold the northeast side of the Pinkham Tower Fire. A lightning strike fire north of the Pinkham Fire was detected and equipment and crews worked to construct a line around the fire and hold it to a small size.

Planned Actions: Crews and equipment have been shifted around and assigned to all the fires. On Tenmile and Swamp Creek crews will continue to work on mopping up hot spots and holding the fire lines. Firefighters and equipment will look for opportunities to access the Huckleberry/Cliff Fire and identify opportunities to engage the fire when and where it is safe to do so. The structure group will continue work on structure assessment in the Edna Creek, Lake Creek, and Swamp Creek areas. Firefighters in the structure group will be visiting private property owners and gathering information for structure defense plans. On the Pinkham Tower Fire crews and equipment are opening access routes and identifying locations where it will be safe to work on direct and indirect lines. Efforts to construct line around a larger spot fire located east of the main fire will be made today. Aircraft support will continue to be used as available and needed with priority placed on the Pinkham Tower Fire.

***Evacuations: The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office issued a pre-evacuation notice at 9:30pm on Aug. 11 for Edna Creek Road, Lake Creek Road, Sutton Ridge Road, and Swamp Creek Road. Residents in those areas are in the SET stage and need to be prepared to evacuate on short notice with important belongings, medicines, and pets prepared to leave. For the most up-to-date info on evacuations call 406-293-6295. ***

Forest Area Closure: The Kootenai National Forest has increased the size of the Area Closure on roads and trails in the Tenmile Creek Fire area. The most up to date closure information and maps are posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai/. The Kootenai National Forest still has Stage I Fire Restrictions in effect and more information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai/ or at www.firerestrictions.us. Cooperating Agencies: US Forest Service (Jurisdiction), MT Department of Natural Resources, Trego-Fortine-Stryker Volunteer Fire Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Emergency Management Services, Eureka Volunteer Fire Department, MT Department of Transportation.

For more information on these wildfires visit www.inciweb.nwcg.gov

*** Contact the Emergency Management # 406-293-6295 for more information on evacuation notices****

KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST 2018 FIRE UPDATES AUGUST 13, 2018

Cabinet Ranger District Fire Updates 8/13/2018 **No New Fires reported ** Libby District Fire Updates 8/13/2018: Three new fires were confirmed on the evening of 8/11/2018 @ 1630 hours. The Tom, Gold Hill, and North Gold Hill fires. *Tom Fire: .25 acres. This fire is east of Mt. Tom. Initial attack crews made good progress on the fire. The fire is contained/ *Gold Hill Fire: Approximately 50 acres. The fire is north of Noisy Creek south of Gold Hill. The initial attack crew experience active fire behavior. Due to winds on site during initial attack, group torching, 6-12 foot flame lengths with multiple small spot fires. *North Hill Fire: Approximately 6 acres. This fire is of Noisy Creek and south of Gold Hill has burned into the main Gold Hill Fire which caused the increased the acreage. *Hwy 37 Fire: Fire is 70 acres and 100% contained.

Libby Unit- Department of Natural Resources Fire Updates 8/13/2018: **No New Fires Reported**

Aircraft availability for the Kootenai National Forest:. Libby Helibase: 1-Type 1 (CH-47),1-Type 2 Rappel ship (currently at Sandpoint ), 1-Type 2 Restricted 1-Type 3 CWN (Bell 407), 1-Type 3 Short Haul EXU (Central Montana), 1-Type 1 Kmax Davis Fire: 1-Air Attack 52X (Weniger),1-Type 2 EXU Ten Mile Fire: 1-Type 2 Standard (Bell 212) at Libby Helibase, 1-Air attack 9CS,1-Type 1 (CH-47

Reports from Neighboring Idaho Panhandle *** ****8/13/2018 Update****

The Copper Mountain fire (180 acres 20% contained): The fire is burning on the U.S. – Canadian border. A Type 3 Incident Management Team comprised of local interagency cooperators from north Idaho lead by Incident Commander Rod Weeks will have command of the Copper and Slide fires. The crews will continue line construction on both flanks and hold existing line. Continue ongoing coordination with British Columbia Wildfire Service for suppression efforts. Hot and dry conditions led to moderate to active fire spread. The weather front has passed and will now return to normal temperatures. Fire Restrictions: Cooperating wildfire managers have called for Stage I Fire Restrictions to go into effect Thursday August 9, at mid-night. This effects all public lands located in Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah and Latah Counties of Idaho and areas within Pend Oreille County, Washington; Sanders County, Montana; and Lincoln County, Montana that are administered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. More information can be found at http://www.idahofireinfo.com . Idaho Fish and Game are currently in Stage 1 restrictions. More information can be found at https://idfg.idaho.gov/fire .

Forest Closures: Several trails and roads in the Cougar Fire area are being closed for the protection of public health and safety due to wildfire activity. More information can be found at www.fs.fed.us/ipnf .

Bonners Ferry Ranger District Smith Creek Fire (814 acres): The fire was reported on 7/28/2018 and is burning on National Forest System Lands at the head of Smith Creek north of Lions Head Ridge. The fire is located 19 miles west of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and 7 miles north east of Priest Lake, Idaho. The fire was caused by lightning and is burning in subalpine fir and shrubs. Operations are geared to protect private property values near the fire. Sprinkler systems have been installed adjacent to structures. Firefighters are actively engaged on the fire. The fire will continue to back with isolated torching possible. Cooler temperatures and moderate relative humidity will likely lead to minimal growth. Lingering winds from the cold front will likely cause some torching, but significant growth is not expected.

Sandpoint Ranger District Cougar Fire (3,454 acres): Location: N. Idaho. Nearby towns include Hope and Clark Fork, ID. Yesterday, Fire Bosses (small planes that pick up water) held the fire in check on the ridge above Wellington Creek. Today, they will continue these efforts to reduce fire spread to the north. The east side of the fire grew towards Mud and Silvertip Creeks with log to log burning and group torching. Crews will continue to protect structures, bridges and other infrastructure along Lightning Creek road. The fire is backing down to Porcupine Creek to the fuel break; crews effectively held the line. The west side of the fire is being monitored, and growth has been minimal on that flank. With this fire behavior smoke will still be an issue of the communities of Troy and Libby, Mt. On some of the areas of the fire the current wind conditions are pushing the fire back onto itself. Fire managers will assess the current fire location and activity to refine the containment area to protect the communities, private property and infrastructure. Smoke from the Cougar Fire is blowing into the Troy, Montana area. Closures: Trails 444, 63, 114, 642, 2240, and 120 west of trail 63 and east of trail 444; Roads 489 and 419 (Lightning Creek) north of road 1184 and south of road 473. Refer to the closure order on Inciweb for details. . Forecasted Weather:.Cooler temperatures and good moisture recovery last night reduced fire activity, however, the return of nightly thermal belts over both fires is likely. Today, expect light easterly ridgetop winds, changing to terrain driven winds later in the day. Smoke and haze will linger over the vicinity of both fires; stay current on air quality on the ID Department of Environmental Quality’s web page:

Smoke: The inversion hanging over the Clark Fork valley is causing smoke from wildfires in the West to settle in the valley and on the Three Rivers Ranger District (Troy, Mt.).

More information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6081/ Contact: Cougar PIO Glenda Scott or Gina Bonaminio Phone: 406-207-4401 CDA River Ranger District Surprise Creek Fire (1494 acres): Location: N. Idaho. Nearby communities are Lakeview and Gold Creek mining operations. The fire is spreading through log-to-log burning and small group torching along the fire’s perimeter. Yesterday, the Idaho Panhandle hot shot crew began building a fuel break along the Bunco Rd (Rd 332) to hold the fire. The crew will continue this work today and will be joined by heavy equipment to create an effective fuel break. Helicopter or Fire Bosses (small planes that pick up water) will be used to delay firespread if needed. Closures: Refer to the Closure Order on Inciweb for a list of roads/trails. The area affected by the closure is generally bounded by Bunco Rd (Rd 332) between Rd 205 and Rd 258, Spruce Creek to Devils Peak, and south to the Independence Creek trail. Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6125/

Rampike Fire (970 acres): The fire is burning below the Ulm Peak fire scar. Road improvements are planned in the area for escape route safety. The Rampike fire is located on the ridge between Clinton and Rampike Creeks, approximately 1.5 miles east of Forest Road 412. The fire is burning below the Ulm Peak fire scar Road improvements are planned in the area for passable routes. Bucket work is being used to check the progress. An IC3 (Jerome) has been assigned to manage the fire. Fire is visible from highway 200 on the Cabinet Ranger District. The Rampike fire is nearly 1 mile from the Idaho – Montana border. Burning in timber with a grassy understory, it had active fire behavior with backing and flanking growth. Coordination has been ongoing and will continue with Fire Managers from the Kootenai NF in the event the fire reaches the state line. There is a meeting scheduled on Monday afternoon in Sandpoint to prepare for the potential movement of the fire onto the KNF.

For fire information on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, please contact 208-557-8813. **End of Report**

F Fire Information – Paola Ridge Fire Monday Aug 13, 2018 7:30 AM

Flathead National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertheflathead

QUICK FACTS:

Location: 2 miles northwest of Essex, MT, in the Flathead National Forest

Detected: August 11, 2018, 10:40 p.m. Cause: Lightning

Lat/Long: Lat. 48° 18.755, Long. 113° 39.263 Current size: 50 acres Containment: 0% Resources on the fire: 4 firefighters, 1 engine, 1 heavy equipment task force + 1 heavy equipment boss; Ownership/Jurisdiction: Flathead National Forest; Other cooperators: Flathead County Sheriff, Office of Emergency Services, MT Department of Transportation, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.

FIRE SUMMARY: The Paola Ridge Fire is burning in the Flathead National Forest. This fire is being managed with modified confine and contain strategy with indirect tactics; fire fighter and public safety is a priority. The fire is burning in steep terrain with subalpine forest and brushy avalanche chutes. There are no evacuation warnings in place for this incident.

CURRENT SITUATION: Following lightning storms across the Flathead National Forest evening of August 11, the Paola Ridge Fire was detected later in the night. Initial attack resources have responded to the fire, including 4 firefighters, 1 engine, 1 heavy equipment taskforce (4 pieces of equipment) + 1 boss. A Type 3 fire management team is assigned; additional firefighting resources have been ordered. Fire behavior is single and group tree torching; rolling out limited distances followed up by short uphill runs.

Today’s plan is for the heavy equipment, which includes a skidgine, feller-buncher, skidder, dozer, to continue to implementing a fuel break in the area, the near the railroad, and Highway 2. The fire will View of Paola Ridge Fire burning in be monitored overnight. An area closure has been prepared for the the upper elevation of Paola Ridge. area, closing the area, and local roads and trails, though local landowner traffic will be permitted. Please see the enclosed map.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Flathead National Forest and our interagency partners experienced lighting storms throughout the northwest Montana zone yesterday evening, August 11th. Multiple fire reports are coming in, initial attack is occurring, resources are responding, and more firefighting resources are being ordered. A size up of the big picture across the Flathead National Forest is occurring now, as the priority is ensuring firefighters respond quickly to these new fires. There are no evacuations at this time for this incident, however please follow @FlatheadOES, as any warning notices or evacuations View of Paola Ridge Fire burning in will be coordinated through this partner. subalpine and avalanche chutes.

Paola Ridge Fire - Road, Trail and Area Closures Flathead National Forest - Hungry Horse Ranger District

Glacier National ¯ Park

Map Location Flathead National Forest

Legend Paola Ridge Fire Closure Area Closed Roads 0 0.5 1 2 Closed Trails Miles

F Fire Information – Coal Ridge Fire Monday Aug 13, 2018 7:30 AM

Flathead National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertheflathead

QUICK FACTS:

Location: 5 miles west of Polebridge MT, in the Flathead National Forest

Detected: August 12, 2018, 07:45 a.m. Cause: Lightning

Lat/Long: Lat. 48° 43.475, Long. -114° 29.952 Current size: 300 acres Containment: 0% Resources on the fire: Shared resources with the Paola Ridge Fire, and 1 squad of firefighters Ownership/Jurisdiction: Flathead National Forest; Other cooperators: Flathead County Sheriff, Office of Emergency Services

FIRE SUMMARY: The Coal Ridge Fire is burning in the Flathead National Forest. This fire is being managed with modified confine and contain tactics, with fire fighter and public safety as a priority. The fire is burning in steep terrain with subalpine forest and brushy avalanche chutes. There are no evacuation warnings in place on this incident.

CURRENT SITUATION: Following lightning storms across the Flathead National Forest evening of August 11, the Coal Ridge Fire was detected the next morning. A Type 3 fire management team is assigned to the fire, and a squad of firefighters; additional resources has been ordered. Fire behavior is single and group tree torching; rolling out limited distances followed up by short uphill runs.

Initial plans are for the incident commander and the squad of firefighters to get a full size up of the fire and the situation, and identify and prioritize values at risk. Initial plans is to have local heavy equipment to begin implementing a fuel break on National Forest system land. The fire will be monitored overnight. An area View of Coal Ridge Fire burning in the closure has been prepared for the area, closing the area, and local upper elevation of Coal Ridge. roads and trails. Please see the enclosed map.

Coal Ridge Fire - Road, Trail and Area Closures Flathead National Forest - Glacier View Ranger District

Glacier National ¯ Park

Flathead National Map Forest Location

Legend Coal Ridge Fire Closure Area Closed Roads Closed Trails 0 0.5 1 2 Miles