New fire takes off south of Swan Lake

Fire crews on Tuesday were sent to a new wildfire on the Swan River State Forest about 8 miles south of Swan Lake.

The lightning-caused Whitetail Creek Fire had burned about 320 acres in an area of slash and timber. Four fire engines, heavy equipment and 23 firefighters were sent to the scene. Porcupine Creek Road was closed due to firefighter activity.

The fire is directly east of the Boulder 2700 Fire that is burning on the west side of the Mission Mountains above Flathead Lake.

On the Flathead Forest, the Hay Creek Fire west of Polebridge was expected to see increased activity in the coming days as hot and dry conditions returned to the area.

The fire was estimated at 2,356 acres on Tuesday, and was 5% contained. Crews were strengthening lines between private properties and Red Meadow Road, and continued to work along Hay Creek Road.

All previously announced evacuation warnings and road closures remained in place.

THE THORNE Creek Fire northwest of Thompson Falls was estimated at 17,685 acres on Tuesday.

Fire mangers said that wetting rains on Sunday and Monday aided firefighting efforts, but that the north flank of the fire continues to require extensive attention.

The National Guard sent resources to the fire and will work with the Northern Rockies Team 1 in command.

Evacuation orders remained in place for 206 homes in the area. The order affects all residences east and northeast from Allen Ranch south to Blue Slide Road to the intersection of the BPA power lines and through Ashley Creek to the Thompson River.

ON THE Kootenai Forest, crews working the South Yaak Fire north of Troy made good progress on a fuel break south of the 17 Mile Creek subdivision.

Fire managers said that hand crews were requested to replace outgoing crews, but noted that firefighters “are in very short supply nationally.”

The fire was estimated at 9,290 acres with 10% containment.

Mandatory evacuations remained in place for all homes on East Side Road and Kilbrennan Lake Road.