An update from the U.S. Forest Service:

PLAINS – Crews supported by helicopters and airplane retardant drops worked on gaining a foothold on fires involved in the Thompson River Complex yesterday, August 4.

With the successful construction of helispots close to the fires’ perimeters, managers have gained the ability to ferry ground crews into these fires, which are quite difficult to access otherwise.  Once crews were in place on the fires, helicopters were then used to make water drops from buckets , in conjunction with the airplane retardant operations, to aid in control efforts.

A total of 151 personnel are assigned to the complex, with 142 of those on ground crews actively attempting to suppress the fires.

Although the Thompson River Complex was listed at 110 acres, that acreage figure is actually low and a reconnaissance flight is planned during today’s operational period to reassess total complex acreage.

Two forest trails affected by these complex fires – the Koo-Koo-Sint trail (No. 445) and the Big Spruce Creek trail (No. 1102) - have been temporarily closed by a Lolo National Forest order.  The West Fork of Thompson River road (No. 603), which accesses several recreational areas, remains open to the public, although there may be some fire traffic occurring on that road and forest users should use caution.

The Koo-Koo-Sint fires are burning in steep, rocky terrain above the Clark Fork Valley, a major travel route in western Montana.

 As a result, values at risk continue to be evaluated in that area.  Four primary residences and eight outbuildings have been identified and are relatively close to the fire, as well as a BPA powerline, Highway 200 and a major railroad line.  The flow and safety of traffic on the highway remains as an important concern.

The Montana Department of Transportation has posted large electronic signs west and east of the fire area warning passing motorists of possible rolling debris on Highway 200.