Single Publication

Total Acres: 619
Containment: 0%
Start Date: September 1, 2022
Cause: Lightning
Location: 21 miles west of Kalispell near Marion
Personnel: 163

Highlights: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon until midnight on Wednesday due to high winds associated with an incoming cold front. This could cause more active fire behavior, including higher rates of spread and the potential for spotting. 

Operations: On the southeast corner, hand crews and equipment operators continue constructing and connecting the fireline. Although firefighters are working to limit the fire footprint, they conducted a small five-acre strategic firing operation yesterday to reduce fuels and strengthen and secure that line. The closest values at risk are to the south and southeast; therefore, there is an emphasis on that corner. 

By the end of today, fire managers plan to have a complete fireline in for Division Alpha, which runs from the southeast corner to the current northern point of the fire. Firefighters will work to strengthen it in the coming days. 

Some spotting occurred on the north point of the fire, but crews are gridding it and have been able to pick these spots up and contain them. 

Heavy equipment operators are putting in clipper lines on the southwestern half of the fire perimeter. From the mid-point of the south side to the southeast corner, firefighters are utilizing hoses and water to mop up the fire’s edge. 

Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft continue to support firefighters with water drops and reconnaissance flights.

Weather and Fire Behavior:  Temperatures will be near 80 degrees in the fire area today, with relative humidity as low as 13-18%. Winds will be southwest 25-35 with gusts to 40 mph. On the north point of the fire, there has been increased fire activity with the warm and dry weather, especially where it’s moving into a change in fuel type. There is potential for fire movement to the north with the Red Flag Warning and west to southwest winds.

Evacuations:  Currently, there are no evacuations; however, one property is under pre-evacuation notice.

Closures: Griffin Creek Road (NFS #538) and Forest Service Trails 210, 211, and 287 are closed to the public. The closures are for public and firefighter safety as equipment, crews and aircraft are working extensively in the area.  

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area, including the use of drones. Remember, if you fly, we can't. 

Smoke: Visit https://deq.mt.gov/air/Programs/smokeforecasts for Montana Department of Environmental Quality smoke forecasts. 

Fire Information Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 406-272-4859| Email: 2022.lemonade@firenet.gov