Crews gain some containment on Skillet Fire
Whitefish Pilot | Whitefish Pilot | UPDATED 1 hour, 10 minutes AGO
Firefighters wrapped a 1923 field ranger patrol cabin on Elk Mountain to protect it should the Skillet Fire advance. Flathead National Forest photo.
On Wednesday, firefighters worked to gain containment along the heel of the Skillet Fire by completing mop-up operations following a successful burnout the day before.
Located 15 miles west of Olney, the Skillet Fire, as of Thursday, Aug. 6, is 2,870 acres and 3% contained.
Total personnel have increased to 489. Great Basin Incident Management Team 7 brought about 100 crew members.
Whitefish Fire Department does not have any units assigned to the Skillet Fire, although two engines and off-duty personnel assisted last weekend with no impact to local capacity, said Fire Chief Cole Hadley.
Crews have made advances in line construction along the western and eastern perimeter. On the western edge, crews completed dozer line from the 3512B Road to the 3512 Road.
On the eastern edge, firefighters continued constructing dozer and handline in the Alder Creek, Martin Creek and Robertson Creek areas.
Air operations supported ground crews with retardant drops using single engine airtankers and water drops using helicopters.
Today, as conditions allow, crews will conduct burn operations using Unmanned Aircraft Systems on the northwest side of the fire. This will reduce the amount of unburned vegetation between the 3512 Road and the current fire edge.
Firefighters will continue to construct line from Robertson Creek to Alder Creek and continue north to the East Fork fire scar.
The area is expected to become warmer and drier with elevated winds. High pressure with poor humidity recovery presents elevated fire conditions. South facing slopes will continue to be the most active.
Moderate to heavy smoke impacts will continue to affect local communities. Local smoke information and forecasts can be found at deq.mt.gov/air/Programs/smokeforecasts.