Crews continue to build lines around River Road East Fire
After two days of wet weather, crews working the River Road East Fire near Paradise have begun containing the estimated 16,772-acre blaze in Sanders County.
Officials said that firefighters took advantage of subdued fire activity Tuesday to work on direct control lines along the fire’s north side, in the Henry Creek area. As of Wednesday morning, the fire was listed as 2% contained.
The rainfall had the side effect of weakening roots and loosening rocks, sending debris into area roadways, officials said. Teams are working to clear the roads of hazards.
Officials planned to spend Wednesday working with residents to identify the best location to construct a fire control line along the blaze’s northwest perimeter. The sought-after line could connect to the bluffs along River Road East and hopefully preventing the fire’s spread north of Pat’s Knob Road.
If possible, crews also hoped to work along the fire’s east flank in the Camas Prairie area to prevent further spread.
Officials anticipated the arrival of extra helicopters on Wednesday. The rotorcraft were expected to be deployed alongside ground teams to deliver water to areas of heat. As of Wednesday, the response to the fire, which began Aug. 18, included 582 personnel, 12 crews, 39 engines and six helicopters.
On Wednesday, the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office began allowing residents of Paradise Gulch Lane to return home, placing the area on pre-evacuation status. McLaughlin Creek Road remains under an evacuation order and the roadway is closed to traffic.
Paradise remains under pre-evacuation status as does Henry Creek Road, Camas Prairie, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort and Camp Bighorn. Authorities asked that motorists avoid Henry Creek Road and River Road East unless they reside in the area.
The Montana Red Cross opened a shelter for those affected by the wildfire at the Church on the Move, 300 Clayton St., Plains.
A public meeting on the wildfire response is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 24 at the gymnasium of the Plains High School, 412 Rittenour St., Plains.
IN FLATHEAD County, crews working the roughly 4,614-acre East Fork Fire near Olney planned to spend Wednesday extending existing fire lines and extinguishing spot fires. The wildfire is considered 5% contained.
Officials reported receiving .6 of an inch of rain on the fire over the first half of the week. The rainfall allowed hand crews to move in close to the fire’s edge.
Firefighters also welcomed the addition of additional heavy equipment. They expected a break in the cloudy weather on Wednesday to allow for the use of helicopters and scoopers to fight the fire. Officials planned to use drones to scout the Martin Creek area.
The area around the fire remains on pre-evacuation status as per the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
Elsewhere in Flathead County, the roughly 3,651-acre Ridge Fire near Hungry Horse Reservoir remains listed as 62% contained. The nearby Doris Point Fire is 10% contained and at 1,534 acres. The 7,697-acre Tin Soldier fire remains 0% contained.