The Latest
—NWS issues red flag warning for all of Western Montana until 10 p.m.
—Firefighters retreat after Ten Mile Fire doubles in size
—Public meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at Yaak Fire Station about Davis Fire
This story was last updated on Aug. 2. Click here for the latest on fires across Northwest Montana.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for two-thirds of the state as low humidity, warm temperatures and wind could set the stage for critical wildfire conditions this afternoon.
The red flag warning is in effect for the Flathead Valley, Glacier National Park, Lincoln County and the surrounding area from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. Aug. 2. Temperatures are expected to be in the 80s and 90s this afternoon and daytime humidity will drop to 6 percent. Afternoon winds could bring gusts of up to 35 miles per hour to parts of the region as well.
Earlier this week, local fire managers elevated the fire danger to “very high” in the Flathead Valley. Officials said Stage 1 fire restrictions are possible if the hot and dry weather continues to bake the region. The Kootenai National Forest entered Stage 1 fire restrictions last week. Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit campfires outside of designated recreation sites or smoking anywhere outside of an enclosed vehicle or building.
At least three notable wildfires are currently burning on the Kootenai National Forest following last weekend’s lightning storm, which sparked nearly two-dozen new fires. Most of the fires were less than an acre in size.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Ten Mile Fire just east of Highway 37 along Lake Koocanusa doubled in size from 20 to 40 acres in less than an hour. The rapid growth forced firefighters to back off the fire until it was safe to return. A Type II incident management team has been requested to take over firefighting efforts.
Earlier this week, a Type II incident management team took control of firefighting efforts against the Davis and Porcupine fires in remote Lincoln County. As of Thursday morning, the Davis Fire has burned at least 215 acres in the extreme northwest corner of the county. The Porcupine Fire west of Rexford had burned 12 acres as of Wednesday afternoon.
A public meeting will be held at the Yaak Fire Station tonight at 7 p.m. so that the public can learn more about the fires and what is being done to contain them.
Smoke from fires in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California continue to impact the Flathead Valley. As of 11:30 a.m. Thursday, air quality in the Kalispell area was listed as “moderate.”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.