Rain expected to assist fire efforts

Hoping to take advantage of forecasted precipitation for the area, fire crews continue to battle the East Fork Fire west of Olney.

The lightning-caused fire burning in heavy timber and difficult terrain on the Flathead and Kootenai national forests remained at 4,614 acres as of Monday morning. Officials anticipated rain but described it as a “season-slowing” rather than season-ending weather event.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service were calling for rain through Wednesday. Much of Northwest Montana was under a flood watch Monday afternoon.

Crews were expected to search for opportunities to construct fire lines closer to the blaze and extinguish hotspots.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office lifted evacuation orders near Olney and Stryker on Sunday and placed the area on pre-evacuation status. Residents may return to their homes under a pre-evacuation warning but may need to leave again on short notice.

The East Fork Fire is 5% contained, officials said.

A fire east of Spencer Lake was contained Sunday by the state Department of Natural Resources and the Whitefish Fire Department, the fire department said on its Facebook page.

The Ridge Fire near the Hungry Horse Reservoir grew slightly to 3,651 acres by Monday. Crews expected to spend the day conducting mop up work and building control lines to the north and east of the blaze. The fire is 39% contained.

The Hungry Horse Reservoir remains closed to the public.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 22 rescinded a pre-evacuation status placed on properties to the east of Spotted Bear Road to West Glacier.

Authorities ask that anyone planning on availing themselves of the shelter to call ahead at 800-733-2767.

The nearby Doris Point fire reached 1,534 acres in size by Monday and was 0% contained. Crews there expected to continue focusing on fuel reduction and structure prep on Aug. 21 while setting up pump sprinklers.

Firefighters are taking a similar approach to the Tin Soldier Fire, which has reached 7,697 acres and is 0% contained.