Fire crews respond to fires
By MIKE RICHESON
Bigfork Eagle
Firefighting crews from Ferndale and Bigfork were dispatched to aid in structure protection along Highway 2, where the Skyland Fire is threatening buildings near Essex. The firefighters returned Tuesday morning after being released.
On Sunday, at 11:30 a.m., an engine from the Woods Bay Station staffed by Captain Steve Hopp, Tony Rojo and James Comstock left to join several other engines from Flathead County to form a Structure Protection Group. The assignment is expected to last two to three days depending on weather conditions.
The possibility for erratic and extreme fire behavior is strong. For frequent fire situation updates, visit www.inciweb.org and click on Skyland Fire.
The fire has been active on all fronts, which was expected. Crews had a control burn out on a three-quarter mile stretch of Hwy 2 north of Skyland road Monday. That, combined with the normal burning put a lot of smoke into the air. Crews are counting on the highway to serve as a fire break in that area.
The fire has extended it's reach to Dog Gun Lake on the Black Feet reservation's western boundary. Residents along the Heart Butte Cutoff Road between the Two Medicine River and Little Badger Creek were recommended to evacuate by the Blackfeet Disaster Planning Group. As of Monday, the fire was between one to two miles wide, and roughly 11 miles long, and was at more than 10,000 acres.
There was a one vehicle roll over accident near base camp when a truck under contact with the fire left the road. Both occupants were flown to Kalispell Regional Hospital. At last report one was released Monday evening and the other was being held over for observation. The accident is under investigation.
Hwy 2 is open to traffic with escorts. Travelers will be escorted through the Skyland Fire area corridor continuously until the threat to public safety has been eliminated. Travelers should expect delays as long as two hours, and it is subject to complete closure based on fire activity. Roadblocks are at East Glacier to the east, and mile post 185 at the Forest Service Bear Creek Trail access to the west.
Visitors are advised to contact the Hungry Horse Ranger District (406-387-3800) for alternative access and trail options.
Swan Lake Fire
Swan Lake Ranger District The lightning caused Cold Fire detected on July 18, in the Mission Mountains Wilderness about seven air miles northwest of Condon, is estimated at two acres. The fire is located between Upper and Lower Cold Lakes on a high rocky slope.
There have been several water drops on the fire over the last week. Firefighters were able to work on about three sides of the fire yesterday along with water drops from a support helicopter. Because of the predicted winds today, the firefighters didn't continue work on the fire today. There is concern the fire might move off the slope north and east into brush and trees near the Cold Lake Trail, No. 121.
As a precautionary safety measure, the Swan Lake Ranger District closed the Cold Lakes Trail, and an area in the vicinity of the fire and Cold Lakes. Visitors can contact the Swan Lake Ranger District, 837-7500 for more information about the closure and alternate travel routes in the area.
Fire restrictions
Stage II fire restrictions are now in effect.
Stage II fire restrictions will apply to all lands in Northwest Montana under the protection of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Flathead National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, Glacier National Park, Lake County, Sanders County, Lincoln County, Flathead County, Region 1 of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), and US Fish & Wildlife Service.
This does not apply to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, (Bob Marshall, Scapegoat and Great Bear Wilderness) lands on the Flathead, Lewis and Clark, Helena and Lolo National Forests. Stage I fire restrictions are in effect for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
Stage II fire restrictions prohibit:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
3. The following acts are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.:
a. Operating any internal combustion engine
b. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame
c. Using an explosive.
A patrol is required for two hours following completion of all activities as described in #3 above.
4. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.
Anyone causing a wildfire can be held financially responsible for damages and suppression costs. Please visit www.mt.blm.gov/fire/restrictions for more information about fire restrictions in Northwest Montana, or contact a local fire management office.