The Sunrise Fire which swept across the mountains 11 miles east of Superior is finally 90 percent contained as of September 1. Almost all residents have been able to return to their homes except those in the Quartz Creek area.

Greg Burch, operation section chief with the Great Basin National Incident Management Team 1, said they were looking forward to getting that area opened up for the residents and that overall the fire looks good.

“Trout Creek is looking good and is open,” he said during an Aug. 31 briefing. “We are asking people to be careful when they’re driving because they still have resources out there working.”

The Great Basin Management team transitioned to Rick Connell, Incident Commander with the Western Montana Type II Management Team on September 1.

“We want to thank the community for all of their support in helping work with us as we were able to meet the objectives given to us,” Burch said.

Beth Lund, the Great Basin Incident Commander also thanked the community for their help and patience during this difficult time. She also said the team was grateful for the gifts of clothing, snacks, toiletry items, book and magazines they received.

Despite red flag warnings last week, fire crews managed to keep the Sunrise Fire contained to approximately 25,900 acres. With the incident team dropping from almost 600 fire fighters to 253. Air quality is forecasted to remain “Good” for Superior and Alberton in the upcoming week as crews work to contain the actively burning southwest corner of the blaze. That area is reported to be extremely steep and dangerous for direct firefighting action.

Other areas will be repaired due to damage received during suppression activities. Heavy machinery will be used to re-contour and cover dozer lines with vegetation. The Incident Information website stated that “resources are being shared between the Sunrise Fire…with seven new fires near Thompson Falls and Plains.”

The Burdette Fire has remained steady with 649 acres burned to-date.