7/24/18 Update: (via InciWeb)
River Closure Lifted: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has reopened a portion of the Kootenai River near Libby, effective July 23. FWP lifted an emergency closure on the section of river from Osprey Landing boat ramp to the Montana Highway 37 bridge city boat ramp in Libby.
Start Date: 7/19/18 1630
Current size: 51 ac
Cause: Human caused (discarded smoking material) – investigation is ongoing
% Containment: 10% (at the SW corner of the fire around the initial start location)
Resources remain the same: 1 T1 FS Crew, 1 10 person dedicated contract crew, 2 engine crews, 1 decontamination crew, and additional firefighters. In addition, 3 Engines, 2 Water tenders, 1 excavator with masticator, 2 dozers, 2 skidgens, Air Resources (helicopters) are also assigned
Today’s Weather: Max Temp: 94, Min Humidity: 15; Winds: 2-5 morning and NW 3-6 with occasional ridgetop winds 15 in the afternoon, Haines Index: 3 (very low)
Past 24 hours: Fire perimeter remained the same. Interior creeping through the heavy duff continues throughout the fire area with some areas requiring water drops.
Current Activities:
Early this morning a burnout operation was started to secure the black lines. Approximately will be ignited. This operation will continue until 10 a.m. This action increases the opportunity for lines to hold through the forecasted weather over the next few days.
Travel on Hwy 37 near the fire continues to be controlled by Lincoln County Sheriffs. Some delays can be expected for safety of firefighters and the public.
Crews will continue to improve on the work already done on the fire lines (hand and equipment) and mop up where safe to do so. Air resources are available to support suppression activities as needed. All protocols continue for decontamination procedures. Public and fire fighter safety is high priority and considered in all actions taken. ICP has been moved to the tree shed on Libby RS site. An IR flight has been requested for tonight.
Closures: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has reopened a portion of the Kootenai River near Libby, effective July 23. FWP lifted an emergency closure on the section of river from Osprey Landing boat ramp to the Montana Highway 37 bridge city boat ramp in Libby. Call Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks @ 406-752-5501 with questions.
Cooperators: Lincoln County Sheriff, Lincoln County Rural Fire Department, Stimson Lumber and BPA
