Four fires started on or near the Flathead Reservation Sunday, burning along Hwy. 200. The Mile Marker 91 was at 308 acres and Knowles (which is off the reservation) had leapt to more than 2,000 acres by Wednesday. The Magpie Creek fire, west of Dixon, remained small at 2.5 acres and Little Seepay, just east of Mile Marker 91, had burned nine acres.

According to a press release Monday from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire, a bulldozer and helicopter support were deployed at Little Seepay and MM91 fires as firefighters sought to establish lines around both fires, aided by multiple crews and engines. 

By Wednesday, however, CSKT reported that the Mile Marker 91 fire had transitioned to a Type 4 fire. Crews were continuing to “mop up” operations, working along the constructed control lines to extinguish or remove burning material near control lines, felling fire damaged trees, and cooling ash pits to make a fire less likely to escape.

Little Muddy Road is closed near Mile Marker 91. The Division of Fire also asked the public to stay out of the fire area as crews are using the highway as a main route to ferry supplies and equipment. The continuing hot and dry weather with very low humidity wasn’t helping their efforts.

By late Monday, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks had temporarily closed sites in Sanders County to public access due to wildfire danger. Kookoosint Fishing Access Site and Full Curl Wildlife Management Area – both along the Flathead River – are closed until further notice while crews respond to the Knowles Fire. That fire is burning southeast of Paradise. Recreationists in the area are advised to exercise caution. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented over the fire area, to allow firefighting aircraft to safely work without interference by drones, which could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations.

 A press release from last Wednesday stated that while there were no fire restrictions in place, high temperatures and wind gusts create “wildfire weather,” drying out vegetation.

This week the temperatures are predicted to stay the same, in the high 80s and low 90s with very little humidity.

“Dead fuel is the primary carrier of fire in the wildland, and when fires get established in this fuel type they can quickly spread out of control,” said C.T. Camel, the Division of Fire information officer. 

Camel explained that in Montana throughout the month of August fire danger usually remains high. With this week's forecast, Camel predicted that trend will continue. 

The Division of Fire reminded residents that debris burning is closed Oct. 1 and campfires are allowed only in established fire rings. People are encouraged to make sure their campfires are completely extinguished.

Due to this extreme heat, individuals working outside are asked to secure their trailer chains. Camel said people often don’t know their chains are dragging which can cause a spark to hit dry vegetation.

Camel said the heat of the day is from 2-5 p.m. and advised that people complete their farm and ranch chores before the heat and high winds.  

“Please do your part to ensure there is One Less Spark as a result of your outdoor activities in the heat of the afternoon,” the press release stated. “If a small fire becomes a full-blown forest fire, it could lead to arson charges, fines and even the bill for all fire-caused costs.” 

For updates, follow CSKT Division of Fire on Facebook.