The Latest
-Bierney Creek Fire burns 80 acres near Lakeside
-Type 3 Incident Management team assumed command of fire this morning
-75-100 homes threatened, residents told evacuations possible
-Firefighters focus on spot fires outside of main fire perimeter
Updated: Aug. 23, 5:20 p.m.
LAKESIDE – Firefighters are gaining ground on the 80-acre fire near Lakeside but officials are still concerned about 75 to 100 homes that are within a half-mile of the blaze.
While no evacuation orders have been issued, local officials are telling residents to prepare to leave their homes if the Bierney Creek Fire continues to grow.
On Tuesday afternoon, Fire Information Officer Ali Evans said firefighters had constructed fire line around nearly three-quarters of the fire, but it was still considered zero percent contained because of the many spot fires. Helicopters were making multiple trips between Flathead Lake and the Bierney Creek Drainage to douse the flames.
“Firefighters are feeling really good about the progress they’re making on this fire,” Evans said.
Evans said firefighters plan to aggressively attack the fire throughout the week in advance of a weekend cold front that could bring wind to the fire area.
The fire was first reported at about 4 p.m. Monday and was fanned by high winds and low humidity. Firefighters from local volunteer fire departments, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the Flathead National Forest quickly hit the fire from the ground and from the air. As of Tuesday morning, there was one hotshot crew, one Type 2 crew, two bull dozers, six engines, and one helicopter assigned to the fire with more resources on the way.
A Type 3 Incident Management team assumed command of the fire on Tuesday morning.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Copper King Fire Burns 21,000 Acres Near Thompson Falls
Two days after it made a dramatic wind-driven run, the Copper King Fire continues to burn actively east of Thompson Falls.
As of Tuesday morning, the fire had scorched more than 21,000 acres on the Lolo National Forest and was 15 percent contained. It continued to burn actively last night due to a red flag weather alert that produced high winds, low relative humidity and high temperatures.
Sunday night’s rapid growth to the east forced the evacuation of homes along the Little Thompson River and as of Tuesday those residents are still not allowed to return. On Monday, additional pre-evacuation notices were given to residents in the Buffalo Bill Creek and Weeksville Creek areas.
On Monday, a Type 1 Incident Management team assumed command of the fire. As of Tuesday morning, there are 356 personnel working to contain the fire, including four Type 1 crews, five Type 2 crews, 19 engines, seven water tenders, and various pieces of heavy equipment. At least nine helicopters are assigned to the fire.
Officials plan on spending Wednesday building new fire lines around the blaze and setting up hose lines to protect nearby structures. Additional fire growth is expected on the east side of the fire along Montana Highway 200. Forest Road No. 56 is currently closed from the Copper King community to mile marker 17. Road No. 5587 (Spring Creek) and Forest Trails No. 345 (Todd Creek), No. 368 (Big Hole Lookout), No. 370 (Spring Creek), No. 372 (Munson Creek), No. 445 (Koo-Koo-Sint) and No.1268 (Bay State) are all closed. The Copper King and Clark Memorial campgrounds are also closed.
Fire officials said additional road and area closures are likely as the fire grows.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.