Wildfires continue to grow

Evacuations ordered near Bend Guard station

By MARY CLOUD TAYLOR

Daily Inter Lake

At least 20 new wildfires have been reported since July 9, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Northwest Land Office.

The cause of most of the fires — reported from Kalispell to Libby to Plains — was lightning strikes across Northwest Montana Friday, according to DNRC Fire Information Officer Ali Ulwelling. Others were human-caused fires started by runaway campfires, power lines, equipment and fireworks.

Ulwelling said record-breaking temperatures were recorded July 8. High temperatures combined with low fuel moistures created conditions where wildfires have potential to grow quickly.

The National Forest Service announced the fire danger rating for Northwest Montana rose to “high” as of July 7, and varying stages of fire restrictions are currently in place across the state.

Kalispell Fire Management Officer Jeremy Pris said the DNRC’s main focus right now is getting a handle on currently active fires in preparation for potential new fires that could start as a result of possible thunderstorms the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted for Monday afternoon and evening.

A Type II Incident team has been ordered to help manage the large number of fires in the area and is expected to arrive and take over fire control by 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Here’s a look at the largest regional fires, as of press time Monday:

Libby Unit:

- Rogers Mountain — The Rogers Mountain wildfire was “sitting at 68 acres” Monday afternoon according to a fire official who said the day’s high humidity had assisted firefighters assigned to the blaze.

Crews spent part of the day creating a line around the fire with help from dozers and handcrews, said Logan Sandman, a fire manager with the Libby unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

“We’re seeing some better outcomes than we did yesterday,” he said, adding that the fire was “still a safe distance” from populated areas as of 4 p.m. Monday.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department Sunday afternoon notified residents north of U.S. 2 and Happy’s Inn about the advance of the wildfire aside Rogers Mountain, advising they be ready in case the fire worsened and began to threaten homes.

- Grubb Mountain — More than 11 acres burned.

Plains Unit:

- Lazier Creek 3 Fire — Sanders County Sheriff’s Office deputies are evacuating cabins and homes threatened by this fire, burning near the Bend Guard station northeast of Thompson Falls.

The blaze that ignited late Saturday afternoon has now exceeded 1,000 acres.

This fire is actively burning in grass, brush and timber. Evacuation notices have been initiated for the area of Bend Ranger Station. Multiple fire engines, water tenders and helicopters are on scene.

The Sanders County Sheriff’s Department has already begun blocking access to some roads for public safety until the fire is under control.

Kalispell Unit:

- Northwest Meadow Peak — 11.5-acre fire as of Monday morning. Burning in grass and timber. Fifteen personnel and one Type II helicopter were on scene as of Sunday night. Pris said lower temperatures and higher humidity were allowing for progress in containment as of Monday.

There are more than a dozen other fires burning in these regions, but all are reportedly smaller than 3 acres.

No injuries or property damage had been reported as of Monday afternoon.

Wildfires can impact air quality, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Their report for the Northwest Montana area says smoke impacts will likely range from moderate to unhealthy near active fires with good to moderate air quality expected elsewhere.

To review statewide fire restrictions, visit firerestrictions.us.

John Blodgett of The Western News and Erin Jusseaume of the Clark Fork Valley Press contributed to this report.