Margaret Fire grows to over 1,000 acres

The Margaret Fire burning in the Hungry Horse Reservoir is 1,077 acres in size. An update from Inciweb on September 10 said fire activity on that day consisted of mostly backing and smoldering fire due to lower temperatures and higher relative humidity values. It was reported to be burning on the ridge north of Margaret Lake and is on the upper third of the slope in the steep rocky terrain.

The fire has burned over Forest Service Road 895E, which is closed to all traffic. Forest Service trail 410 is also closed to all traffic. Forest Service roads 895 and 895F remain open.

Fire personnel were in the area on September 9 to continue assessing fire growth in relation to values at risk and update public information. The fire was initially spotted by Baptiste Lookout on August 22 and was believed to have been started by lightning. It is burning around 13.5 miles east of Bigfork.

According to the National Weather Service in Missoula, the area could see some rain early this week and some lower temperatures, followed by a slight chance of thunderstorms on Wednesday night. It is expected to clear up and have temps that top out in the mid 70s by the end of the week.

Given the fire location, steep rocky terrain, and limited access, the strategy will be point protection of values at risk. There are currently 10 personnel assigned to the fire. Hungry Horse Ranger District will continue to patrol this fire from the ground and air, keep the public informed on changes in fire activity, and evaluate the need for additional trail, road, and area closures.