Monday update: Hay Creek Complex wildfires

Here’s the latest report from the Forest Service concerning the Hay Creek Complex fires on the North Fork. It was posted at about 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4. See the related Inciweb page for further details . . .

Incident Overview

SUMMARY: Multiple fires have started on the Glacier View Ranger District following a series of lightning storms over the five preceding days. A total of 12 fires have started, with 5 current fires, and 7 have been contained and controlled. The fires are being managed as a fire complex. The fires had burned in heavy timber, in steep, rough terrain. The fire behavior is small smokes in some of the duff on the forest floor. The fire complex consists of a total of 23 acres, with approximately 50% contained. Multiple resources are assigned to the fire including four 20-man crews, 3 helicopters, one Type 6 engine crew, and a local Type 3 management team, for a total of approximately 123 people. These resources are being shared across all the fires in this area. There are no area or trail closures at this time.

Yesterday, the fire area had multiple lightning storms pass over, but no new fires were started. Today, fire fighters will continue with mop up and patrol of the two larger fires, Akinkoka and Hay Creek Fires. Fire fighters and helicopters not needed will be demobilzed and made available for other fires in the region.

SPECIAL MESSSAGE: A helibase is set up at Moran Meadows area. These helicopters are shuttling personnel and supplies to and from the fires, as well as providing water drops on the fire. FOR THE YOUR SAFETY AND THE FIRE FIGHTERS SAFETY, PLEASE DO NOT STOP ON THE ROAD WAY OR WALK OUT ON TO THE HELIBASE.

 

Basic Information

Current as of 8/4/2014, 12:25:33 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Tuesday July 29th, 2014 approx. 05:00 PM
Location Various locations east of Whitefish Divide and west of the North Fork of the Flathead River.
Incident Commander Justin Kaber, Flathead National Forest

 

Current Situation

Total Personnel 123
Size 23 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained 50%
Fuels Involved Heavy timber, in steep, rough terrain.

 

Outlook

Planned Actions Continue with mop up and patrolling of the two remaining fires, Akinkoka and Hay Creek Fires. Demobilize the fire fighters and helicopters not needed.
Projected Incident Activity Continue with mop up and patrolling of the two remaining fires, Akinkoka and Hay Creek Fires. Demobilize the fire fighters and helicopters not needed.