Crews Battle New Wildfire South of Marion
Mountainous terrain and a strong north wind combined Thursday to create challenging fire behavior as crews attempt to secure a perimeter around the 5-acre Marry Ann Fire in the Flathead Valley
By BEACON STAFF
Wildland firefighters on Thursday encountered challenging terrain and a strong northern wind as they battled the 5-acre Mary Ann Fire, located off Browns Meadow Road about 12 miles southeast of Marion in the Flathead Valley.
First reported on Sept. 4, the Marry Ann fire is creeping and smoldering in grass, timber and slash, according to a fact sheet distributed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Multiple area resources are en route to the wildfire, including heavy equipment, a hand crew, three helicopters, tactical aircraft, and single-engine air tankers.
“The fire is located in a box canyon presenting challenging terrain for crews on the ground,” according to information from DNRC, which added that firefighters “are actively engaging the fire with hose lays to secure the perimeter where terrain allows.”
There are no closures or evacuations at this time. However, the public is advised to stay out of the area due to limited road access, and to keep all drones clear of the airspace.
“WE CANNOT FLY IF YOU DO,” according to DNRC.
DNRC will post updates to its Facebook page and social media accounts as more information becomes available.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that a Type 2 Incident Command team had responded to the fire. The story should have stated that a Type 2 Initial Attack crew, also known as a “hand crew,” responded. The Beacon regrets the error.