Margaret Fire sees growth in the Swan
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 6 months AGO
The Margaret Fire burning on September 6, 2022. (photo courtesy of Inciweb)
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | September 7, 2022 11:00 AM
The lightning caused Margaret Fire is burning just north of Wheeler Creek in the Hungry Horse Reservoir, 13.5 miles east of Bigfork. The fire is reported to be around 472 acres as of September 6. It is burning on the ridge north of Margaret Lake.
Fire activity was observed moving east/northeast along the ridgetop and backing down the slope on the south side. The fire has burned down to Forest Service Road 895E in multiple locations. The smoke column may be visible at times from the Flathead Valley and from the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
There is a crew of eight personnel working on the fire. They were in the area on Tuesday to continue assessing fire growth in relation to values at risk and update public information.
Given the fire location, steep rocky terrain, and limited access, the strategy will be point protection of values at risk. FS Road 895E Forest Creek Road is closed to public access at this time. An official closure order will be posted as soon as it is available.
Hungry Horse Ranger District will continue to patrol this fire from the ground and air, keep the public informed on changes in fire activity, and evaluate the need for additional trail, road, and area closures.
The Margaret Fire was first detected by aircraft on August 22.
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