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Wildfire, fire management and air quality news for western Montana and the Northern Rockies.

Montana Wildfire Roundup For August 30, 2016

Single engine air tanker (SEAT) returning to Plains, Montana airport from the burnout operation on August 29. SEATs have been dropping water in support of burnout and fireline construction on both the north and south sides of the Copper King Fire.
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Single engine air tanker (SEAT) returning to Plains, Montana airport from the burnout operation on August 29. SEATs have been dropping water in support of burnout and fireline construction on both the north and south sides of the Copper King Fire.

The latest on wildfires around western Montana.

Last Update 5:00 p.m. 08/30/16

Northwest and West-central Montana are currently under a Red Flag Fire Weather Warning.
National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Noble says the warning is in effect from 3:00 this afternoon through midnight.

"That just means that there a high potential of fire spread if the wind’s going to kick up. Any ignition sources out there could really make something go really fast."
 
People are urged to be extremely careful with campfires, trailer chains, lawnmowers, chainsaws and other power tools.

The south entrance to Yellowstone National Park has reopened after being closed for more than a week because of a wildfire in neighboring Grand Teton National Park.
    
Firefighters doused hot spots and cleared downed and dangerous burned trees along the highway that runs up the east side of Grand Teton and to Yellowstone’s south entrance. The highway reopened overnight, and the Yellowstone gate opened at 7:00 this morning.

Closing the entrance over the last week forced visitors coming up from the popular Jackson Hole area to take a detour that added about an hour of drive time to reach Yellowstone through Idaho and West Yellowstone, Montana.
    
The fires in Yellowstone and Grand Teton remain active and continue to grow. But all major tourist attractions and roads in Yellowstone are open.

Update: 10:10 a.m. 08/30/16

There has been a Red Flag Warning for hot and dry weather placed over the Copper King Fire area today. The potential for wildfires has been ranked as a 6 on the Haines Index, the highest possible rating for unstable and dry weather.

The Copper King Fire, eight miles outside of Thompson Falls and one mile north of Highway 200, has reached 24,778 acres and is 20 percent contained.

There is increased potential for thunderstorms over the next 48 hours.

Hot spots surfaced and burned within the Roaring Lion Fire five miles outside of Hamilton throughout yesterday. Crews and helicopters responded quickly with water and suppression methods.

Weather around the Roaring Lion Fire is expected to be hot, but winds are going to be minimal. Planes and helicopters utilizing water and retardant may be visible throughout the day.

The fire is currently measured at 8,533 acres, 70 percent contained, and has 54 personnel working.

In Yellowstone National Park, Highways 89, 191, and 287 are open. Drivers going to Grand Teton National Park from Yellowstone National Park are asked to go slowly and be careful around the southern entrance.

The Maple Fire grew approximately 1,650 acres yesterday. It is now 3.8 miles from West Yellowstone, 1.8 miles from Madison Junction and 3.7 miles from the Mount Holmes Lookout. Last night the fire approached the road in the area of the 7 Mile Bridge and is visible from the road. Traffic control may be implemented if heavy smoke is present on the road.

The last reported acreage of the Maple Fire is 33,058, with 259 personnel monitoring the fire.

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