High winds may fan area fires

The Daily Inter Lake

Gusts up to 80 mph possible at high elevations

A fire red flag warning has been issued for Western Montana today as strong winds, coupled with low humidity and dry fuels, are expected to significantly increase fire danger.

The warning, in effect from this afternoon through tonight, comes as meteorologists predict that a passing cold front will bring widespread and sustained westerly winds of 15 to 30 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

At some higher elevations, winds could blow from 30 to 50 mph with gusts of up to 80 mph, according to meteorologists who issued the warning Friday afternoon.

Red flag warnings are implemented to inform firefighting agencies when weather conditions are ideal for wildland fire ignition and growth, often resulting in the reallocation of firefighting resources to meet the predicted risk.

"Having dry air with high wind, fires could get up and move if exposed to those conditions," said Rick Connell, a fire management officer with the Flathead National Forest.

The Ninko Creek Fire, located in "nasty" terrain about 40 miles north of Columbia Falls in the North Fork drainage, remained Friday at 35 acres, Connell said.

Firefighters, who are closely monitoring the wildfire, have adopted a policy to confine and contain the blaze until or if flames spread past a certain point, Connell said.

Also in the Flathead National Forest, the Gabe Creek Fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness was last reported at 1,460 acres.

Located in the Spotted Bear Ranger District about 19 miles northeast of Seeley Lake, the fire is not being suppressed but is being managed for resource benefits.

The fire, which started in early August from a lightning strike, has been quiet in the last week and burning mostly on the interior, Connell said.

The Gabe Creek Fire is in a relatively sheltered area and the Ninko Creek Fire is located on a ridge.

"The wind could get the fires going," Connell said. "To have hot, dry, and windy weather late in September is generally atypical for Northwest Montana."

The Saddle Mountain Fire, about three miles west of Arlee, is now estimated at about 465 acres.

A large burnout was conducted Thursday night and the fire, which is partially lined, is 20 percent contained.

Authorities said the fire's origin is suspected arson and is currently under investigation.

Nine 20-person crews, two helicopters, two single-engine air tankers, two bulldozers, two water tankers and numerous fire engines from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are assigned to the blaze.

Winds at the Saddle Creek Fire are expected to remain between 4-8 mph and weather forecasts for Sunday suggest lower temperatures, according to tribal fire officials.

Motorists on U.S. 93 through Arlee should see an increase in fire traffic and the public is advised to use caution as smoke from the fire may impede driving conditions. The use of headlights is encouraged.

In the Bitterroot National Forest, the Kootenai Creek Fire about seven miles northwest of Stevensville grew Friday to 5,080 acres.

Started in mid-July by a lightning strike, the fire is about 10 percent contained and being worked on by more than 200 firefighters.

Firelines checked the fire's spread Friday on its northeastern side as firefighters secured existing lines in anticipation of today's predicted hot, dry, and windy weather conditions.

In the Kootenai National Forest, the Lawrence Mountain Fire has burned about 1,500 acres three miles west of Lake Koocanusa and 15 miles north of Libby Dam.

That fire is being monitored but not actively suppressed, according to fire officials.