Tag Archives: Barnaby Fire

Northeast Kootenai Complex morning update – Sep 3, 9:30 am

Fire Information and Status, News, , ,

Here’s this morning’s report on the Northeast Kootenai Complex fires.

Well now, here’s some good news:The North Fork area closure in the Flathead Forest and the Grave Creek/10 Lakes area closure in the Kootenai Forest have been rescinded. The Forest Service is no longer worried about the Marston Fire making a run toward the North Fork. Also, Trail Creek Road is open again. Looks like the cool, damp weather is really helping.

Additionally, Gabe Holguin’s Type III Management team is taking over from Shawn Pearson’s Type II team this evening . . .

Information Officers: Katie Knotek, Tom Rhode & Meg Nemitz
Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex (includes Barnaby, Marston, and Sunday Fires)
AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

TEAM TRANSITION: The Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team lead by Shawn Pearson has reached the end of a maximum 21 day assignment. The Team will transfer command of the fire today to Gabe Holguin’s Type III Southwest Incident Management Team at approximately 6:00 p.m. This will be the last Fact Sheet distributed by Pearson’s Team. The incoming team will begin to disperse information about the Northeast Kootenai Complex Friday morning.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: The cooling trend with temperatures in the 50’s and higher relative humidity around 50% will keep fire activity moderate throughout the weekend. Mild winds will be predominantly out of the southwest, and rain is predicted as the weekend progresses.

MARSTON FIRE:
The Marston Fire is at 7,000 acres with 30% containment. Crews and machinery are working east of Jager Mine reinforcing line to keep the fire south of Deep Creek. Fireline from Deep Creek south to about one mile above Sink Creek continues to hold and is keeping the fire from moving west. On the south-southwest side of the fire, crews are mopping up previous days’ burnout operations and may continue burnout operations weather permitting. Helicopters are still available and will be used as necessary to aid firefighters with slowing the fire’s progression.

SUNDAY FIRE:
The Sunday Fire, southeast of Stryker, MT, is 100% contained at 60 acres and is in patrol status.

BARNABY FIRE:
The Barnaby Fire, located about four miles northeast of Eureka, is being monitored by air daily due to its location in steep rugged terrain. Helicopters are still available to drop water as needed.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 215 personnel including 2 Type -1 crews, 2 Type – 2 crews, 2 engines, 3 helicopters (2 Type – 1 Chinook, 1 Type – 2), 1 dozer, 2 water tenders, and 1 skidgine.

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES:
• Barnaby Fire Area Closure (Grave Creek/10 Lakes Area, Kootenai National Forest) Order #D03-066-S-15 has been rescinded.
• Northeast Kootenai Complex Area Closure (North Fork Area Closure, Flathead National Forest) Order #D07-099-S-15 has been rescinded.
• Barnaby Fire Trail Closure (Sinclair Creek Trail #88) Order #D03-065-S-15 is STILL IN EFFECT.
• Marston Fire Area Closure Order #D03-067-S-15, Kootenai National Forest, is STILL IN EFFECT.

These closure orders can be viewed on InciWeb, please see link below.

For more information on the fires, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/; Select “Northeast Kootenai Complex.”

Marston FIre Progression, Sep 2, 2015
Marston FIre Progression, Sep 2, 2015

Northeast Kootenai Complex morning update – Sep 2, 8:00 am

Fire Information and Status, News, , ,
Mushroom Cloud Over Marston Fire - Aug 25, 2015- Evening
Mushroom Cloud Over Marston Fire – Aug 25, 2015- Evening

Here’s this morning’s report on the Northeast Kootenai Complex fires.

Of greatest interest to North Forkers is the Marston Fire, which made a run to the northeast recently, resulting in a precautionary closure of a section of the Flathead National Forest in the North Fork. The cooler, wetter weather that moved into the area has made life easier for crews fighting this blaze. It is still not anywhere close to the North Fork and has not grown over the last few days.

Also see the Northeast Kootenai Complex Proximity to Flathead NF Map for information on the position of the Marston Fire in relation to major North Fork features.

Information Officers: Katie Knotek, Tom Rhode & Meg Nemitz
Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex (includes Barnaby, Marston, and Sunday Fires)
AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: Weather will be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the 50’s, relative humidity around 50%, and winds 6 to 12 mph from the southwest. A cold front is expected to push through the area around noon with a slight chance of rain (.05” to .10”). Based on these conditions, minimal fire behavior is expected. On the Marston Fire, fire will continue the slow process of backing downhill toward Deep Creek on the North and Sink Creek on the South.

MARSTON FIRE:

The Marston Fire is at 7,000 acres based on data received from an infrared flight, containment is 25%. On the North side of the fire, crews are continuing to mop up along the fireline in the bottom of Deep Creek and monitor the fire backing down to the creek east of Jeager Mine. Fireline from Deep Creek south to about one mile above Sink Creek, continues to hold and is keeping the fire from moving west. Crews continue to hold and improve line and may continue burnout operations between the indirect line and the fire perimeter south towards Sink Creek to secure fireline if weather permits. Water drops from helicopters will be used to minimize fire movement as necessary. The fire has NOT moved onto the Flathead National Forest and is approximately 20 miles away from Polebridge.

SUNDAY FIRE:
The Sunday Fire located about four miles southeast of Stryker, MT, is 60 acres with 100% containment and is being patrolled daily to check for hotspots.

BARNABY FIRE:
The Barnaby Fire is located about four miles northeast of Eureka in steep, rugged terrain. The fire is being monitored from the air with helicopters available to drop water as needed. Fire remains 60 acres, 0% containment.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 213 personnel including 2 Type -1 crews, 3 Type – 2 crews, 2 engines, 3 helicopters (2 Type – 1 Chinook, 1 Type – 2), 1 dozer, 2 water tenders, and 1 skidgine.

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: There are Area Closures on the Fortine Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest, for both the Marston and Barnaby Fires. The Marston Fire Area Closure includes closure of Murphy Lake for the safety of firefighting equipment and the public, as helicopters dip water out of the lake. There is an additional Area Closure for the Marston Fire on the Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District, Flathead National Forest, should the fire move into the area. See Inciweb for maps and explanations of closures.

A Community Meeting will be held Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the Trego Civic Center.

For more information on the fires, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/; Select “Northeast Kootenai Complex”

Northeast Kootenai Complex morning update – Sep 1, 8:30 am

Fire Information and Status, News, , ,

 

Marston Fire Information Map, Aug 31, 2015

Here’s this morning’s report on the Northeast Kootenai Complex fires.

Of greatest interest to North Forkers is the Marston Fire, which made a run to the northeast recently, resulting in a precautionary closure of a section of the Flathead National Forest in the North Fork. The cooler, wetter weather that moved into the area has made life easier for crews fighting this blaze. It is still not anywhere close to the North Fork and has not grown over the last 24 hours.

Also see the Northeast Kootenai Complex Proximity to Flathead NF Map for information on the position of the Marston Fire in relation to major North Fork features.

Information Officers: Katie Knotek, Tom Rhode & Meg Nemitz
Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex (includes Barnaby, Marston, and Sunday Fires)
AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: Weather today will be mostly cloudy in the morning becoming partly sunny by the afternoon. Maximum temperatures will be in the low 70’s, relative humidity around 30%, and winds will be light from the southwest. Based on these conditions, moderate fire behavior is expected to continue. On the Marston Fire, fire will continue the slow process of backing downhill toward Deep Creek on the North and Sink Creek on the South.

MARSTON FIRE:
The Marston Fire is estimated at 6,700 acres with 20% containment. On the North side of the fire, crews are continuing to mop up and secure fireline in the bottom of Deep Creek and monitoring the fire backing down to the creek east of Jeager Mine. Nine miles of fireline, from Deep Creek south to about one mile above Sink Creek, continues to hold and is keeping the fire from moving west. Weather permitting, crews may conduct burnout operations between the indirect line and the fire perimeter south towards Sink Creek in order to increase the amount of secure fireline. Water drops from helicopters will be used to minimize fire movement as necessary. The fire has NOT moved onto the Flathead National Forest and is approximately 20 miles away from Polebridge.

SUNDAY FIRE:
The Sunday Fire located about four miles southeast of Stryker, MT, is 60 acres with 100% containment and is being patrolled daily to check for hotspots.

BARNABY FIRE:
The Barnaby Fire is located about four miles northeast of Eureka in steep, rugged terrain. Fire will continue to smolder but activity is diminished due to weather conditions. The fire is being monitored from the air with helicopters available to drop water as needed. Fire remains 50 acres, 0% containment.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 247 personnel including 2 Type -1 crews, 3 Type – 2 crews, 2 engines,
3 helicopters (2 Type – 1 Chinook, 1 Type – 2), 1 dozers, 2 water tenders, and 1 skidgine.

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: There are Area Closures on the Fortine Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest, for both the Martson and Barnaby Fires. The Martson Fire Area Closure includes closure of Murphy Lake for the safety of firefighting equipment and the public, as helicopters dip water out of the lake. There is an additional Area Closure for the Marston Fire on the Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District, Flathead National Forest, should the fire move into the area. See Inciweb for maps and explanations of closures.

A Community Meeting will be held Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the Trego Civic Center.

For more information on the fires, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/; Select “Northeast Kootenai Complex”

Northeast Kootenai Complex morning update – Aug 31, 8:30 am

Fire Information and Status, News, , ,
Marston Fire August 17, 2015
Marston Fire August 17, 2015

Here’s this morning’s report on the Northeast Kootenai Complex fires.

Of greatest interest to North Forkers is the Marston Fire, which made a run to the northeast recently, resulting in a precautionary closure of a section of the Flathead National Forest in the North Fork. The cooler, wetter weather that moved into the area has made life easier for crews fighting this blaze. It is still not anywhere close to the North Fork.

Also see the Northeast Kootenai Complex Proximity to Flathead NF Map for information on the position of the Marston Fire in relation to major North Fork features.

Information Officers: Katie Knotek, Tom Rhode & Meg Nemitz
Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex (includes Barnaby, Marston, and Sunday Fires)
AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: Weather today will be cloudy with maximum temperatures 57 to 65 F, relative humidity 45 to 52%, and southwest winds 2 to 8 mph. Based on these conditions, moderate fire behavior is expected. On the Marston Fire, fire will continue the slow process of backing downhill toward Deep Creek on the North and Sink Creek on the South.

MARSTON FIRE:
The Marston Fire is estimated at 6,700 acres with 15% containment. On the North side of the fire, crews are working in the bottom of Deep Creek preparing fireline and fuel breaks in preparation for the fire backing down to the creek east of Jeager Mine. Nine miles of fuel break, from Deep Creek south to near Sink Creek, has held and is keeping the fire from moving west. On the south side of the fire, excavators are being used to pile logs along the indirect line that runs south and east to the Stillwater State Forest. A Montana National Guard Chinook helicopter and a medium helicopter will be available with water drops to assist firefighters with cooling hot spots along the fire’s edge. The fire has NOT moved onto the Flathead National Forest and is approximately 20 miles away from Polebridge. Residents who are concerned about the fire are asked to contact the Northeast Kootenai Complex Fire Information Line and stay updated on the incident through the InciWeb site for the Northeast Kootenai Complex.

SUNDAY FIRE:
The Sunday Fire located about four miles southeast of Stryker, MT, is 60 acres with 100% containment and is being patrolled daily to check for hotspots.

BARNABY FIRE:
The Barnaby Fire is located about four miles northeast of Eureka in steep, rugged terrain. The fire is being monitored from the air with helicopters available to drop water as needed. Fire remains 50 acres, 0% containment.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 285 personnel including 2 Type -1 crews, 4 Type – 2 crews, 6 engines,
2 helicopters (1 Type – 1 Chinook, 1 Type – 2), 2 dozers, 5 water tenders, and 4 skidlines.

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: There are Area Closures on the Fortine Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest, for both the Martson and Barnaby Fires. The Marston Fire Area Closure includes closure of Murphy Lake for the safety of firefighting equipment and the public, as helicopters dip water out of the lake. There is an additional Area Closure for the Marston Fire on the Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District, Flathead National Forest, should the fire move into the area. See Inciweb for maps and explanations of closures.

For more information on the fires, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/; Select “Northeast Kootenai Complex”

Northeast Kootenai Complex morning update – Aug 30, 8:30 am

Fire Information and Status, News, , ,
Flathead Hotshot on the Marston Fireline, Aug 23, 2015
Flathead Hotshot on the Marston Fireline, Aug 23, 2015

Here’s this morning’s report on the Northeast Kootenai Complex fires.

Of greatest interest to North Forkers is the Marston Fire, which made a run to the northeast recently, resulting in a precautionary closure of a section of the Flathead National Forest in the North Fork.

Also see the Northeast Kootenai Complex Proximity to Flathead NF Map for information on the position of the Marston Fire in relation to major North Fork features.

Information Officers: Katie Knotek, Tom Rhode & Meg Nemitz
Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex (includes Barnaby, Marston, and Sunday Fires)
AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today, fire behavior is expected to decrease with the cold front moving through the area. Strong winds are predicted (gusts to 30+mph), however, temperatures will decrease to the low 60s with relative humidity increasing.

MARSTON FIRE:
The Marston Fire is estimated at 6,500 acres and containment has dropped back to 5% with the additional growth to the northeast. On the north side of the fire, crews are working in the bottom of Deep Creek preparing fireline and fuel breaks for when the fire backs down to the creek east of Jeager Mine. Nine miles of fuel break from Deep Creek south to near Sink Creek has held and is keeping the fire from moving west, while crews continue preparing line south and east to the Stillwater State Forest. A medium helicopter will be available to drop buckets of water as air/smoke conditions allow to assist firefighters with slowing the fire’s progression. The fire has NOT moved onto the Flathead National Forest and is approximately 20 miles away from Polebridge. Residents who are concerned about the fire are asked to contact the Northeast Kootenai Complex Fire Information Line and stay updated on the incident through the InciWeb site for the Northeast Kootenai Complex.

SUNDAY FIRE:
The Sunday Fire located about four miles southeast of Stryker, MT, is 60 acres with 100% containment and is being patrolled daily to check for hotspots.

BARNABY FIRE:
The Barnaby Fire is located about four miles northeast of Eureka in steep, rugged terrain. The fire is being monitored from the air with helicopters available to drop water as needed. Fire remains 50 acres, 0% containment.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 300 personnel including 2 Type -1 crews, 4 Type – 2 crews, 10 engines, 3 helicopters (2 Type – 1 Chinooks, 1 Type – 2), 4 dozers, 9 water tenders, and 4 skidgines.

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: There is an area closure for both the Martson and Barnaby Fires. The Martson Fire Closure includes closure of Murphy Lake for the safety of both firefighting equipment and the public, as helicopters dip out of Murphy Lake for water drops on the Marston Fire. A new Area Closure for Hungry Horse Ranger District, Flathead National Forest has been issued. See Inciweb for maps and explanations of closures.

A community meeting will be held this evening August 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the Trego Civic Center.

For more information on the fires, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/; Select “Northeast Kootenai Complex”

Marston Fire Information Map, Aug 29, 2015
Marston Fire Information Map, Aug 29, 2015

Northeast Kootenai Complex morning update – Aug 29

Fire Information and Status, News, , , ,
Marston Fire photo by Stonehenge Air Museum, Aug 28, 2015
Marston Fire photo by Stonehenge Air Museum, Aug 28, 2015

Here’s this morning’s report on the Northeast Kootenai Complex fires. Of greatest interest to North Forkers is the Marston Fire, which made a run to the northeast over the last couple of days, resulting in a precautionary closure of a section of the Flathead National Forest in the North Fork.

Information Officers: Katie Knotek, Tom Rhode & Meg Nemitz
Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex (includes Barnaby, Marston, and Sunday Fires)
AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: A red flag warning has been issued for today. Temperature will be in the low 80s today with relative humidity in the low 20s. Winds will be from the south, switching to southwest and west, with an increase throughout the day peaking in late afternoon or early evening with the passage of a cold front. The winds will override the cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity with fire activity increasing throughout the day.

MARSTON FIRE:
The Marston Fire is estimated at 6,000 acres with 10% containment. The fire increased over the last couple of days due to fire growth on the northeast side of the fire. Equipment and crews continue to mop up and secure line on the northern, west and southwestern edges of the fire. In addition, fuel breaks are being constructed south of the fire and east onto the Stillwater State Forest. Helicopter bucket drops are used daily, as air/smoke conditions allow, in an effort to slow fire growth.

SUNDAY FIRE:
The Sunday Fire located about four miles southeast of Stryker, MT, is 60 acres with 100% containment. Palm IR (Infrared) was used yesterday by local Forest Service personnel to try and detect any remaining hot spots on the fire and will be used again today.
BARNABY FIRE:
The Barnaby Fire is located about four miles northeast of Eureka in steep, rugged terrain. The fire is being monitored from the air. Water was dropped from the chinook helicopters on the fire late yesterday to keep the fire in check. Fire remains 50 acres, 0% containment.
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 343 personnel including 2 Type -1 crews, 4 Type – 2 crews, 10 engines,
3 helicopters (2 Type – 1 Chinooks, 1 Type – 2), 7 dozers, 9 water tenders, and 4 skidlines.
SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: There is an area closure for both the Martson and Barnaby Fires. The Martson Fire Closure includes closure of Murphy Lake for the safety of both firefighting equipment and the public, as helicopters dip out of Murphy Lake for water drops on the Marston Fire. A new Area Closure for Hungry Horse Ranger District, Flathead National Forest has been issued. See Inciweb for maps and explanations of closures.
The Incident Management Team will have a booth at the Lincoln County Fair this weekend. A community meeting will be held Sunday evening, August 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the Trego Civic Center.
For more information on the fires, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/; Select “Northeast Kootenai Complex.”

Marston Fire Map-Aug 27, 2015
Marston Fire Map-Aug 27, 2015

Northeast Kootenai Complex morning update – Aug 28, 8:30 am

Fire Information and Status, News, , , ,
Marston Fire August 17, 2015
Marston Fire August 17, 2015

Here’s this morning’s report on the Northeast Kootenai Complex fore. Of greatest interest to North Forkers is the Marston Fire.

Note this item from the “Special Messages/Closures” section: “A new Area Closure for the Hungry Horse Ranger District, Flathead National Forest is being developed in anticipation of the Marston Fire moving into the area and will be posted on InciWeb when finalized today.” It now appears that Whale Creek Road will, in fact, be closed.

Information Officers: Katie Knotek, Tom Rhode & Meg Nemitz
Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex (includes Barnaby, Marston, and Sunday Fires)
AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: A Red Flag Warning is issued for today due to a break in the valley inversion and smoke cover, continued hot (80s), dry (relative humidity 16-21%) conditions and wind gusts out of the southwest up to 20 mph in the late afternoon. Fire behavior will be active today with short crown runs.

MARSTON FIRE:
The Marston Fire is estimated at 4,790 acres with 5% containment. The fire increased in size yesterday, but an infrared flight was not available to provide accurate mapping of the current fire perimeter. Fire growth was primarily to the east towards the Flathead National Forest and the Stillwater State Forest. On the north end of the fire, Hotshot crews worked on checking fire spread as it backed downhill, and feller bunchers continued to work on indirect line construction along Deep Creek. These operations will continue today as conditions permit. On the fire’s west side, crews will continue to blacken and secure fireline to the south and check fire spread as it moves downhill. Heavy equipment work constructing fuel breaks south of the fire and east towards the Stillwater State Forest will continue.

SUNDAY FIRE:
The Sunday Fire located about four miles southeast of Stryker, MT, is 60 acres with 100% containment. A Palm IR (Infrared) unit will be used today to check for any remaining hot spots on the fireline. There is no longer a threat of evacuation for local residents in the vicinity of the Sunday Fire and the Population Protection Plan has been removed from Inciweb.

BARNABY FIRE:
The Barnaby Fire is located about four miles northeast of Eureka in steep, rugged terrain. The fire is being monitored from the air with bucket drops from helicopters when possible. Strong valley inversions and smoke cover have prevented aerial observation and bucket drops on the fire for the last several days. The fire remains 50 acres with 0% containment.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 348 personnel including 3 Type -1 crews, 5 Type – 2 crews, 12 engines,
3 helicopters (2 Type – 1 Chinooks, 1 Type – 2), 6 dozers, 9 water tenders, and 4 skidgines.

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: There is an area closure for both the Martson and Barnaby Fires. The Marston Fire Area Closure includes closure of Murphy Lake for the safety of both firefighting equipment and the public, as helicopters dip out of Murphy Lake for water drops on the Martson Fire. See Inciweb for maps and explanations of these closures. A new Area Closure for the Hungry Horse Ranger District, Flathead National Forest is being developed in anticipation of the Marston Fire moving into the area and will be posted on InciWeb when finalized today.

The Incident Management Team will have a booth at the Lincoln County Fair this weekend. A Community Meeting will be held Sunday evening, August 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the Trego Civic Center.

For more information on the fires, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/; Select “Northeast Kootenai Complex”

Northeast Kootenai Complex morning update, Aug 23, 9:30 am

Fire Information and Status, News, , , ,
Chinook Helicopters on Marston Fire, Aug 19, 2015
Chinook Helicopters on Marston Fire, Aug 19, 2015

Here is the official morning report on the wildfires in the Northeast Kootenai Complex, including the Barnaby, Marston, Sunday and Weigel blazes.

Although the Marston Fire is a potential threat if things go seriously awry, the only impact these fires presently have on the North Fork is the closure of the Trail Creek Road at the Kootenai Forest boundary . . .

Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex (includes Barnaby, Marston, Sunday, and Weigel Fires)

AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: Warm, sunny and dry day with light winds will increase fire activity in the afternoon today. A warm and dry trend will continue through the week; a Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Monday.

MARSTON FIRE:

The Marston Fire is estimated at 3,200 acres with 5% contained and is located about three miles southeast of Fortine, MT. Dozer and hand line have been completed along the fire’s western edge and north to Deep Creek drainage. Crews are now working on opening roads for access to the fire’s northeast side near the mouth of Deep Creek. Dozer line has been completed from Laughing Water Creek to Sink Creek and crews will work on laying hose to supply water to the line. Indirect line is being scouted for the east side of the fire adjacent to the Stillwater State Forest. Helicopters will drop water on the southeast and northwest corners of the fire again. The fire may become more active throughout the week with warmer temps and low humidity, residents are asked to stay informed of changing fire conditions. The population protection plan is still in place for residents living near Laughing Water, Deep and Grave Creeks. This determines when evacuations would take place in the vicinity of the Marston Fire. A copy of the plan can be found on the Northeast Kootenai Complex Inciweb page (link listed below). No evacuations are currently in effect.

SUNDAY FIRE:

The Sunday Fire located about four miles southeast of Stryker, MT, is at 60 acres with 90% contained. Fireline has been constructed around the fire perimeter, and crews are working on mopping up and cooling hot spots within the fire’s perimeter. The population protection plan is still in place and determines when evacuations would take place in the vicinity of the Sunday Fire. A copy this plan can be found on the Northeast Kootenai Complex Inciweb page (link listed below). No evacuations are currently in effect.

BARNABY FIRE:

The fire is located about four miles northeast of Eureka in very steep and rugged terrain. Fire activity has been minimal in the last two days with the cooler weather and has stayed at about 40 acres with 0% containment. A Type 1 helicopter will be available to drop water as needed.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 320 personnel including 1 Type 1 crew, 5 Type 2 crews, 16 engines,

Helicopters: 2 Type 1, 1 Type 2, and 1 Type 3, 6 dozers, 8 water tenders, 4 skidgines, and .

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: There is an area closure for the Barnaby Fire as well as for the Marston Fire. See Inciweb for maps and explanations of these closures. There will be a public meeting in Trego at the Civic Center on Monday August 24th at 7:00PM.

Residents in Lincoln County interested in signing up for reverse 911 or “Code Red” can visit this website for further information: http://www.lincolncountymt.us/

For more information on the fires, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/; Select “Northeast Kootenai Complex”

Northeast Kootenai Complex morning update, Aug 21, 8:00 am

Fire Information and Status, News, , , ,
Marston Fire August 17, 2015
Marston Fire

Here is the official morning report on the wildfires in the Northeast Kootenai Complex, including the Barnaby, Marston, Sunday and Weigel blazes . . .

Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex (includes Barnaby, Marston, Sunday, and Weigel Fires)

AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: A red flag warning is in effect for today due to windy conditions and the possibility of thunderstorms. A cold front will move into the area around 2pm, bringing wind and possible lightning. This evening around 8 or 9pm, a second cold front will move into the area with shifting winds from the north to northeast and up to 1/10th of an inch of rain. Weekend weather will be dry with cooler temperatures.

MARSTON & BARNABY FIRES:
The Marston Fire is estimated at 3,200 acres and the Barnaby fire at 40 acres. Both fires are located near Eureka, MT on the Fortine Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest. Today on the Marston Fire, crews will begin to secure the line along the eastern edge of the fire. They will also begin to put dozer line near the southeast edge of the perimeter to prevent the fire’s spread into the Stillwater State Forest. The structure group will finish their structure assessment of properties in the Laughing Water Creek and Graves Creek areas. A population protection plan has been established to determine when evacuations would take place in the vicinity of the Marston Fire if the need arises. A copy of the plan can be found on the Northeast Kootenai Complex Inciweb page (link listed below). No evacuations are currently in effect. The Barnaby Fire will continue to be monitored with the National Guard Chinooks available for water drops when needed.

WEIGEL FIRE:
The Weigel Fire is 100% contained and has been returned to Montana DNRC management.

SUNDAY FIRE:
The Sunday Fire is estimated at 60 acres. The Sunday fire is located on the Fortine Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest. Fireline has been constructed around the majority of the fire perimeter. Crews will complete fireline today and continue to wet hotspots. A population protection plan has been established to determine when evacuations would take place in the vicinity of the Sunday Fire. A copy of the plan can be found on the Northeast Kootenai Complex Inciweb page (link listed below). No evacuations are currently in effect.

General Quinn and staff of the Montana National Guard, as well as a staffer from Governor Bullock’s office, visited Helibase yesterday to see how the 2 National Guard chinooks were assisting with firefighting efforts. They have been dropping water on the Marston and Barnaby Fires and will continue these efforts today.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 331 personnel, including 3 – Type 1 crews, 4 – Type 2 crews, 16 engines, 2 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 3 helicopter, 6 dozers, 2 excavators, 3 feller-bunchers, and 8 water tenders.

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: A new area closure is in effect for the Barnaby Fire in addition to the closure for the Marston Fire. See Inciweb for maps and explanations of the closures. A community meeting will be held tonight, August 21, at the Eureka High School at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/; Select “Northeast Kootenai Complex”

‘Northeast Kootenai Complex’ created for Marston Fire and others in the area

Fire Information and Status, News, , , , ,
Marston Fire actively burning, Aug 14, 2015
Marston Fire actively burning, Aug 14, 2015

A cluster of wildland fires on the west side of the Whitefish Divide is now being handled as the “Northeast Kootenai Complex” under the control of Shawn Pearson’s Type II Incident Management Team. By far the largest fire in this group — and the one of primary interest on the North Fork — is the Marston Fire. Others include the Barnaby, Sunday, Weigel and Dunn blazes.

Here is the morning update for August 16 . . .

Northeast Kootenai Complex

August 16, 2015 10:00 a.m.

Information Officers: Claire Pitner, Katie Knotek, Tom Rhode & Meg Nemitz

Fire Information Line: (406) 882-8308

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Email: northeastkootenaicomplex@gmail.com

INCIDENT: Northeast Kootenai Complex; The complex includes the Barnaby, Marston, Sunday, Weigel and Dunn Fires.

AGENCY JURISDICTION: USDA Forest Service, Kootenai & Flathead National Forests; Montana DNRC, Libby and Stillwater Units.

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Shawn Pearson, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR: Weather today will be similar to yesterday with cooler temperatures (mid-70s) and higher relative humidity (20-30%). This will continue to moderate fire behavior on all fires, with little to no fire growth expected.

MARSTON & BARNABY FIRES: The Marston Fire is estimated at 1,500 acres and the Barnaby Fire at 5 acres. Both fires are located near Eureka, MT on the Fortine Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest. Today on the Marston Fire, firefighters will continue work on a fuel break on the east side of Deep Creek. On the Barnaby Fire, a Hotshot crew will hike into the fire area to assess the situation and plan for future operations. No evacuations are currently in effect for either of these fires.

WEIGEL & DUNN FIRES: The Weigel Fire is approximately 100 acres and the Dunn Fire is 74 acres. Both fires are located near Libby, MT on the Libby Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest. Fireline has been established around the full perimeter of each fire. Today, firefighters will continue wetting along the fireline and into the fire perimeter.

SUNDAY FIRE: The Sunday Fire is approximately 150 acres and is located on the Tally Lake Ranger District, Flathead National Forest and Fortine Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest. Fireline has been constructed around a good portion of the fire perimeter. The focus today will be to snag hazard trees in the fire area before completing the remaining line construction.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES: 224 personnel, including 2 – Type 1 crews, 2 – Type 2 crews, 16 engines, 7 dozers, 3 feller-bunchers, 6 skidgons and 6 water tenders.

SPECIAL MESSAGES/CLOSURES: An area closure is in effect for the Marston Fire and is posted on Inciweb. A community meeting will be held tonight at the Trego Civic Center at 7:00 p.m.