Valley Journal (Ronan, Mt)

07/25/2024

Three lightning caused fires sparked during last night's storm

News from CSKT Division of Fire
The Haymaker Fire (pictured below) is located 6 miles southeast of Polson, MT in the Mission Mountains. This fire is burning in steep terrain with thick, dense timber and is currently 0% contained. Firefighters are attempting to access the fire this morning. Smoke jumpers and aviation have been ordered. Single Engine Air Tankers are assigned to this fire. There are no closures and no structures are threatened for this fire.

The Garceau Fire is a Type 4 incident located 17 miles west of Polson, MT. This fire is burning in timber and grass with downed fuel and is 95% contained. The Division of Fire Overhead, Polson Rurals, 1 DOF Dozer, and 3 Single Engine Air Tankers were able to catch this blaze. There are no closures and no structures are threatened.

The Irvine Fire is located 7 miles west of Polson, MT along Irvine Flats Road. This lightning caused fire was all grass. Polson Rural Engines along with Division of Fire Engines were able to catch this fire. It is 100% contained and currently on patrol status.

07/18/2024

Sloan’s Fire is 25% contained at 10 acres

News from CSKT Division of Fire
RONAN — A wildfire that started yesterday 12 miles west of Ronan is estimated at 10 acres and 25% contained. The Sloan’s Fire is believed to have been caused by individuals target shooting and is under investigation. The CSKT Division of Fire crews, Ronan and Hot Springs rural engines, 4 single engine air tankers and one dozer are aiding in suppression efforts. There have been no evacuations or closures and no structures are threatened at this time.

07/16/2024

The Valley Journal is looking to speak to living relatives of Leslie Griffith, the fisherman who caught the giant sturgeon out of Flathead Lake in 1955. Any leads are much appreciated! Thank you!

07/04/2024

Body of missing boater recovered

News from the Lake County Sheriff's Office
On July 3, 2024, at about 5:30 pm, divers from Missoula and Flathead County recovered the body of 36-year-old, Chad Hansen, of Missoula, from Flathead Lake. He was located in the area just north of the Narrows. Hansen had been missing since Friday, June 28 at about 9:41 pm when he was witnessed being separated from his boat in the same area where he was eventually recovered in 75 feet of water. Search efforts consisted of multiple teams and use of various technologies from around the region. Flathead, Missoula, and Kootenai County, ID, Sheriff’s Offices all lent personnel and equipment in the days-long effort. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office wishes to extend our most sincere gratitude to Flathead County Sheriff, Brian Heino, Missoula County Sheriff, Jeremiah Peterson, and Kootenai County ID, Sheriff, Bob Norris, their respective Search and Rescue Teams, and Lake County Search and Rescue for the efforts and expertise of their teams.
The body of Chad Hansen was transported to the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. The Sheriff’s Office expresses our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hansen.

05/21/2024

News from the Lake County Sheriff's Office:

To the Citizens of Lake County,

As you may be aware, we are on the eve of Lake County withdrawing its consent to bear the costs of PL280, a law which provides that the State, and therefore my Office, have jurisdiction over Tribal Members who commit felony crimes. Because it has been widely publicized, I will not elaborate on the historical or ongoing political environment surrounding this issue. It is my intent to inform the community that after Lake County withdraws its consent to participate in PL280, it does not divest my Office of my authority, or my obligation to ensure peace and order within our community. This Office, and our Deputies will continue enforcing the law in the same manner we have under the PL280 arrangement for decades. Following discussions with the Lake County Commissioners, it has been determined that we will begin tracking expenses and billing the state for these expenses related to enforcement under PL280. I swore an oath to protect this community and want the community to know that withdrawal of consent from PL280 changes nothing in terms of the Sheriff’s Office response to crime and disorder in the county.

Respectfully,

Donald R. Bell - Sheriff

03/01/2024

High winds downed trees and a power line along Hwy. 93 in Polson across from Town Pump this afternoon.

01/09/2024

Flags fly half-mast in honor of Tribal Elder Sophie Haynes

News from CSKT
PABLO — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) are flying flags at half-mast, through this Wednesday, in honor of Tribal Elder Sophie “Supi” Martha Stasso Haynes, who passed away on Jan. 6, 2024.
Ms. Haynes was a fluent Salish language speaker, and contributed greatly to the Tribal initiative of language revitalization and cultural arts for youth and adults.
Services are to be held at the Arlee Community Center with Rosary on Monday, Jan. 8, at 8 p.m. and Funeral Mass on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 11 a.m

12/15/2023

17-year-old dies in early morning crash

By Summer Goddard / Valley Journal
ARLEE — A 17-year-old boy from Arlee was killed this morning and his 19-year-old male passenger injured during an early morning single-vehicle wreck on Theresa Adams Lane.
According to a Montana Highway Patrol crash report, the crash occurred at 2:44 a.m. when the driver failed to negotiate a lefthand curve on a rural road. The vehicle went off a steep embankment, went airborne and came to rest on its roof. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead upon arrival of emergency responders. The passenger, who was still belted, was transported to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula with injuries.
The Valley Journal extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

12/01/2023

***UPDATED

Three injured, one killed in fatal highway crash near Rollins

By Summer Goddard / Valley Journal
ROLLINS — Three people were injured and one was killed in a three-vehicle wreck this morning on US Highway 93 near Rollins.
According to initial Montana Highway Patrol reports, road conditions were icy and snowy when a Polson School District school bus, a Dodge Ram and a Chevy Silverado collided at 7 a.m. The wreck occurred at approximately mile marker 85, near the closest cross street of Mello Cove Lane.
The two occupants of the school bus – a 61-year-old female driver and a 74-year-old male passenger both sustained injuries and were taken to Logan Health in Kalispell. No students were involved in the accident.
First responders found the 54-year-old male driver and lone occupant of the Dodge Ram deceased upon arrival. He has been identified as Dennis Perez of Rollins.
A male driver and lone occupant of the Chevy Silverado was also injured and transported to Logan Health.
The incident is currently under investigation by Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Aiden Schaffer. More details will be released as they are known.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office and this newspaper sends its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Perez.

11/17/2023

Valley Banks will host their Customer Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Nov. 21st.

11/08/2023

Lake County Election Office shares unofficial results of Nov. 7 election.

10/22/2023

Jam night at the Red Poppy with the Western Montana Musicians Co-op. Live music - free and open to the community.

10/19/2023

https://www.mandi.exitrealtypolson.com/real-estate/montana-regional/business-opportunity/property/30014451-214-main-street-polson-mt-59860/

10/14/2023

In case you missed it, we'd like to share this news from last week's paper. Our heartfelt thanks to all who've encouraged and supported us these many years. We are forever grateful!

https://www.valleyjournal.net/article/29683/New-story-on-the-horizon-for-newspaper-family

09/26/2023

Mission Valley hunter education class announced

News from CSKT Natural Resources, Montana FWP
MISSION VALLEY — Sign in opens at 6 p.m. for the Polson, Ronan, Pablo Spring Hunter Educa-tion course starting Monday, Oct. 2 in Lobby of the PQLAW building on the Salish Kootenai Col-lege campus in Pablo. All classes will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Sign in opens at 6 p.m. Click here for full story:

MISSION VALLEY — Sign in opens at 6 p.m. for the Polson, Ronan, Pablo Spring Hunter Education course starting Monday, Oct. 2 in Lobby of the PQLAW ...

09/12/2023

Polson police officers investigate suspicious death

News from the Polson Police Department
On Sept. 6, 2023, law enforcement officers went to 304 10th Avenue West to conduct a welfare check. Philista St. John was found deceased inside the residence. Suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident led officers to suspect foul play. A person of interest has been identified and no danger exists to the public. The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.
The Polson Police Department would like to thank the CSKT Tribal Police, Lake County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Lake County Attorney’s Office, and the Lake County Emergency Communications Center.
In this sorrowful time, we extend to the family and friends of Ms. St. John our heartfelt condolences.

08/24/2023

House fire on the corner of 8th street and 10th Ave E in Polson early this morning around 5:45a.m. Several fire trucks on site trying to put the fire out. No word as to the cause of the fire or if anyone was injured. We’ll keep you posted on any updates.

08/16/2023

Current Fire Danger on the Flathead Indian Reservation is HIGH

News from CSKT Division of Fire
RONAN – Fire Danger for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is at HIGH. Hotter, dryer conditions are predicted this week. Temperatures will reach triple digits in the valley.
Fire Weather Watch in effect from August 16, 12:00 PM MDT until August 16, 10:00 PM MDT
Fire Weather Watch in effect from August 17, 12:00 PM MDT until August 17, 10:00 PM MDT
Heat Advisory in effect from August 15, 12:00 PM MDT until August 18, 12:00 AM MDT
High fire danger means that dry grasses and needles ignite easily, fires can spread rapidly and may be difficult to control.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are still in affect on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Residents and visitors are urged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org to learn of fire restrictions that are in place throughout Montana. While we cannot regulate the lightning, we CAN control our human caused sparks. Use Caution When Outdoors! No Campfires and do not drive or park in tall grass.

Do your part to prevent a wildfire spark! One less spark is one less wildfire!

State of Montana Wildland Fire Information and Resources.

08/14/2023

Aug. 14 fire updates from CSKT Division of Fire

Location: Big Knife - 5 miles east of Arlee, MT | Niarada - 12 miles west of Elmo, MT | Mill Pocket: 3 miles West of Hwy. 28 Start Date: Big Knife - 7/24/2023 | Niarada - 7/30/2023 | Mill Pocket – 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning Structures Lost: 4 Big Knife-4,952 acres, 7% contained | Niarada–20,365 acres, 79% contained | Mill Pocket– 2,135 acres, 89% contained Total Personnel: 623 total Engines: 42 Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed Hand Crews: 15
Big Knife Fire
On Sunday, fire activity increased as expected as temperatures got hotter and humidity levels lower. On the north perimeter at Gold Creek, helicopters utilized water to check the fire’s edge. Crews will continue to call on aircraft as needed.
Around the southwest edge, crews are assessing the fire’s progress to see if it comes down the slopes to control lines. Crews are also preparing canal roads for better egress.
On the south end of the fire in the Agency Creek drainage, the Craig Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew began work to finish hazard tree mitigation and scouted opportunities to go direct. They installed hoses to tie into several prominent scree slopes and will continue working the fire’s edge, moving further up the canyon.
To the east of the fire, sprinkler systems and pumps are in place around several pieces of infrastructure and the Jocko Lookout. The lookout has been covered with a fire-resistant wrap.
Niarada & Mill Pocket Fires
Strategic firing operations to help add to containment are likely to occur today on a small section on the south side of the Niarada Fire. Fighting fire with fire, firefighters will ignite the vegetation along prepared firelines to burn fuels between the lines and the wildfire’s edge. This is done when weather conditions and fuel moisture levels align to manage the fire on firefighter’s terms. Ultimately, a deeper black line is created and secured, increasing containment and reducing risk. These operations will cause additional smoke in the afternoon and will be conducted if conditions are right.
Crews continue to assess, patrol and mop up (cool areas containing heat) around much of the remaining fire perimeter. Areas on the fire's east and south sides show increased smoke with the hotter and drier conditions. These are primarily interior pockets of fuels continuing to burn out. With the predicted hot weather, expect more smoke in the coming days.
Structure protection crews continue to work outside Elmo toward Big Arm, testing sprinkler systems and pumps while working with landowners on additional vegetation management around structures.
Progress continues on the Mill Pocket Fire as containment increases. Much of the remaining perimeter is in mop-up and patrol status. Some heat remains in steep scree slopes on the northwestern side, and firefighters continue to work in this area, mopping up hot spots where they can access them. Helicopters continue to drop water as needed.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
A high-pressure ridge will cause hotter temperatures and drier conditions throughout the week. Tuesday likely will be the hottest day. Poor relative humidity recovery will result in more active fire behavior. Winds will remain light.
CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
Several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire remain in PRE-EVACUATION status by order of the Lake County Sheriff. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.
Near the Niarada Fire, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING in place for the area that includes Alexander Road, Early Dawn Road, Spring Lane Road, Walking Horse Lane, Windward Heights Road, Wildhorse View, Buffalo Bridge Road, Saddle Drive, Island Butte Lane, Bridle Path, Ten Deuce Way, Cliffview Drive, and Ricketts Road. The remainder of the town of Elmo is in READY status.
A PRE-EVACUATION WARNING means you may be in your home. However, as there still is a risk from both fires, those in this status should not bring back evacuated livestock until the area is downgraded to READY status.
A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around both fire areas. Do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near the fire areas, as that is hazardous for pilots, and the firefighters on the ground who rely on aircraft support. Remember, if you fly, we can’t!
FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more fire information across Montana.

State of Montana Wildland Fire Information and Resources.

08/10/2023

August 10, 2023 Fire Update from CSKT Division of Fire

Location: Big Knife - 5 miles east of Arlee, MT | Niarada - 12 miles west of Elmo, MT | Mill Pocket: 3 miles West of Hwy. 28
Start Date: Big Knife - 7/24/2023 | Niarada - 7/30/2023 | Mill Pocket – 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning Structures Lost: 4
Big Knife-4,952 acres, 5% contained | Niarada–20,365 acres, 39% contained | Mill Pocket– 2,135 acres, 51% contained
Total Personnel: 742 total Engines: 46 Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed Hand Crews: 17

Community meeting TONIGHT!
Please join us tonight, Thursday, August 10, at the Arlee Community Center at 6 PM for a public meeting. We will live-stream the meeting via the CSKT Division of Fire page, and we will provide status updates for all three fires.

Big Knife Fire
A passing cold front late Wednesday brought precipitation to the Big Knife Fire area, further dampening fire behavior. Despite the rain, fire managers are evaluating long-term potential fire growth due to the projected weather patterns and season. Heavy equipment operators are tying existing road prisms into constructed firelines along the fire’s southwestern perimeter. Crews continue assessing and implementing point protection measures to protect infrastructure and cultural resources identified by Resource Advisors. Firefighters are mopping up the edge of a strategic firing operation they conducted late last week to keep the fire north of Agency Creek. Aircraft are aiding firefighters as conditions allow, and fire managers used an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to perform reconnaissance and infrared (IR) detection flights in South Fork Jock Canyon and Agency Creek areas on Wednesday.

Niarada Fire & Mill Pocket Fire
Light rain fell over much of the Niarada and Mill Pocket fire areas Wednesday, further wetting small and medium fuels. However, much of the moisture is not penetrating heavy timber canopies. The cooler, wetter weather enabled firefighters to build more direct handline than was possible a few days ago. Crews continue mopping up along Cromwell Creek Road (working inward from the fire's edge) and assessing pockets of unburned fuels west of that line to evaluate whether they pose concerns for containment. Heavy fuels and steep terrain continue hampering efforts along the fire's eastern and southeastern edge. Firefighters will likely need to perform firing operations when conditions are conducive to secure portions of the indirect line in that area. Structure protection crews continue to work outside Elmo towards Big Arm, and a night shift helps keep watch over changing conditions and fire behavior.

A type 1 helicopter conducting water drops cooled hot spots still smoldering in treacherous scree along the Mill Pocket Fire's northwestern edge. At the same time, firefighters on the ground are patrolling and mopping up the remaining fire perimeter.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
The cold front passing over the fire areas mid-week will continue to bring gusty winds up to 25-30 miles per hour. Meteorologists forecast warmer temperatures with highs in the 80s and a slow warming/drying trend. By the weekend, small and medium fuels (especially at low elevations) will likely dry out enough to increase fire behavior.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
The Lake County Sheriff has placed several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire in PRE-EVACUATION status. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is downgrading those in EVACUATION status near the Niarada Fire in Lake County to a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING. This area includes Alexander Road, Early Dawn Road, Spring Lane Road, Walking Horse Lane, Windward Heights Road, Wildhorse View, Buffalo Bridge Road, Saddle Drive, Island Butte Lane, Bridle Path, Ten Deuce Way, Cliffview Drive, and Ricketts Road.

A PRE-EVACUATION WARNING means you may return to your home. However, as there is still a potential threat from the Niarada Fire, please do not bring back evacuated livestock until the area is downgraded to READY status. The remainder of the town of Elmo is in READY status.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around both fire areas. Do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near the fire areas, as that is hazardous for pilots, and the firefighters on the ground who rely on aircraft support. Remember, if you fly, we can’t!
Use extreme caution when driving on Highway 28. Although authorities have removed the modified speed limit on Highway 28, firefighters and equipment are still working in the area.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines between 1PM-1AM, no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more fire information across Montana.

State of Montana Wildland Fire Information and Resources.

08/07/2023

August 7, 2023 Fire Update from CSKT Division of Fire

Location: Big Knife - 5 miles east of Arlee, MT | Niarada - 12 miles west of Elmo, MT | Mill Pocket: 3 miles West of Hwy. 28
Start Date: Big Knife - 7/24/2023 | Niarada - 7/30/2023 | Mill Pocket – 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning Structures Lost: 4
Big Knife-4,864 acres, 5% contained | Niarada –18,366 acres, 7% contained | Mill Pocket– 2,135 acres, 35% contained
Total Personnel: 548 total Engines: 33 Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed Hand Crews: 9

Big Knife Fire
Continued moisture over the Big Knife Fire continues to moderate fire behavior and growth, primarily smoldering, creeping, and backing in the heavy fuels. Heavy equipment operators completed a mastication line along the fire's southwestern edge to reduce fuels and have started work mulching vegetation along Jocko Canyon Road. Firefighters continued holding and improving a strategic firing operation they conducted Friday and Saturday to keep the fire north of Agency Creek, and structure protection crews are assessing structures in the Jocko Canyon area. Aircraft are aiding firefighters as conditions allow, although limited visibility has hindered some air operations. Resource Advisors are working with fire managers to ensure cultural and natural resource values are evaluated and protected during suppression activities.

Niarada Fire & Mill Pocket Fire
The Niarada Fire continued to receive light precipitation over the weekend, further moderating fire behavior and allowing crews more opportunities to construct direct fire lines immediately adjacent to the fire in some areas. Additionally, a large complement of engines and hand crews arrived Sunday to help bolster suppression efforts. Firefighters continued working to secure lines along Cromwell Creek Road on the fire's northeastern perimeter, cooling hotspots and mopping up inward from control lines approximately 15-20 feet. Crews also continued assessing and preparing structure protection measures outside Elmo towards Big Arm. However, heavy fuels and steep terrain still hamper direct containment in certain areas along the fire's southeastern perimeter. Fire managers are shifting some crews from other areas of the Nairada and Mill Pocket fires to the southern and eastern sides of the fire to prepare for potential firing operations over the next few days. These operations reduce fuels between firelines and the active fire edge, helping to build a fuel break along the constructed line. Firefighters working the Mill Pocket Fire continue to improve constructed firelines, and much of the line is secure enough to consider the fire approximately 35% contained. However, work continues on the northwestern edge.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Precipitation totals from the weekend vary significantly across the Mission and Jocko valleys, but moisture over the Big Knife and Niarada fires has significantly moistened the smaller and medium size fuels. Meteorologists forecast chances for showers and thunderstorms through at least Monday, with a slight drying trend through the week. Although incoming moisture may help temporarily moderate potential fire behavior (lessening the chance of long runs and torching in the short term), trends show potential for drying and active fire behavior in the coming week.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
The Lake County Sheriff has placed several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire in PRE-EVACUATION status. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.

Near the Niarada Fire, the Lake County Sheriff placed several residences in the following areas in-EVACUATION status Friday afternoon: Alexander Road, Early Dawn Road, Spring Lane Road, Walking Horse Lane, Windward Heights Road, Wildhorse View, Buffalo Bridge Road, Saddle Drive, Island Butte Lane, Bridle Path, Ten Deuce Way, Cliffview Drive, and Ricketts Road. The remainder of the town of Elmo is in READY status. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has issued a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING for Hubbart Dam Rd/NF-544 from the intersection of Crossover Rd South to Hwy 28. A MANDATORY EVACUATION remains in place from the top of the Pass on Brown’s Meadow Road South to Hwy 28, Nirada. This mandatory evacuation also includes Kofford Ridge Rd.

Fire managers are working with the Lake and Flathead County sheriff’s offices to address the current evacuation orders. The decision to lift or expand any evacuation areas or status is made based upon the current and predicted fire conditions, done in concert with all decision-making parties, and will be announced through official channels.

Use extreme caution when driving on Highway 28. Authorities reduced speed limits to 45 mph due to poor visibility, and firefighters and equipment are still working in the area.

08/04/2023

Aug. 4 Fire Update from CSKT Division of Fire about Middle Ridge, Communication Butte, Holmes Creek fires

RONAN, Mont. – Fire resources from the CSKT Division of fire have been very successful responding to new fires as well as continued mop-up along the Middle Ridge and Communication Butte fires. Mop-up operations include fire fighters walking around the entire fire line looking for hot-spots to extinguish until the entire fire line, up to 30 feet interior, is cold.

Middle Ridge – West of Ronan, Mont., estimated at 13,000 acres, 25% containment. The fire has burned in timber, pinyon-juniper and grass. Smoke may still be visible interior of the fire containment line where the fire is still smoldering.

Communication Butte - North of Dixon, Mont. estimated 1,423 acres, 100% containment. Fire crews will monitor this area.

Holmes Creek - East of Polson, Mont. estimated at 45 acres, no containment. Burning on top of the Mission Mountain Range in steep rocky terrain. Staffed with smokejumpers and heli-repellers, with air support from a type 1 helicopter dropping water with buckets.

Weather: Hot, dry weather is forecast through Friday, with the potential for thunderstorms and light precipitation by late weekend. Based upon weather conditions and trends, there is continued potential for active fire behavior and large fire growth.

Fire Restrictions – Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines between 1pm-1am, no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more fire information across Montana.

State of Montana Wildland Fire Information and Resources.

08/03/2023

Today's fire update from CSKT Division of Fire:

Community meeting TONIGHT!

Join us for a community meeting regarding the Big Knife, Niarada, and Mill Pocket fires tonight, Thursday, August 3, 2023, 6:00 PM, at the Arlee Community Center, 34086 Pow Wow Road in Arlee. We will broadcast the meeting live on the CSKT Division of Fire page (CSKT Division of Fire). We will host a second community meeting Friday, August 4, 2023, 6:00 PM, at the Elmo Community Center, 47088 Cemetery Road in Elmo. We will either broadcast that meeting live on Facebook or record and post to Facebook afterwards, depending upon internet connectivity.
Big Knife Fire
The Big Knife Fire burned actively Wednesday, with a spot fire south of Big Knife Creek burning eastward into the South Fork Jocko Tribal Primitive Areas and a portion of the fire also well-established on the north side of the Big Knife drainage. The fire is burning in extremely steep terrain, so crews continue to try to flank the fire and monitor the southwest edge. Strategic firing operations may be necesssary to prevent spread to the west toward the valley. Aircraft are aiding crews as conditions allow, although limited visibility has hindered some air operations. Big Knife Fire remains visible from Missoula and throughout the Jocko Valley.
Niarada Fire & Mill Pocket Fire
The Niarada Fire remained active Wednesday, spreading both to the northeast and southeast. Crews, heavy equipment, engines, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft continue to work the fire, building firelines from safe anchor points and protecting structures in the area. Late Tuesday and Wednesday, the Flathead Interagency Hotshot Crew successfully implemented strategic firing operations on the north perimeter along Cromwell Creek Road, helping secure the fire perimeter nearest Lake Mary Ronan. So far, crews are successfully holding that line. Crews are also scouting for opportunities to stop the fire’s southeasterly progression, where erratic winds and heavy fuels are hampering containment. Firefighters made great headway on the Mill Pocket Fire Wednesday, completing initial fireline around the entire perimeter. However, crews need to improve and hold that line before containment is achieved.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Hot, dry weather is forecast through Friday, with the potential for thunderstorms and light precipitation by late weekend. Based upon weather conditions and trends, there is continued potential for active fire behavior and large fire growth.
CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
The Lake County Sheriff has several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire in PRE-EVACUATION status. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed. Near the Niarada Fire, the Lake County Sheriff has placed the Walking Horse Lane area is in PRE-EVACUATION status, and the town of Elmo is in READY status. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has issued a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING for Hubbart Dam Rd/NF-544 from the intersection of Crossover Rd South to Hwy 28. A MANDATORY EVACUATION remains in place from the top of the Pass on Brown’s Meadow Road South to Hwy 28, Nirada. This mandatory evacuation also includes Kofford Ridge Rd.

Use extreme caution when driving on Highway 28. Visibility is very poor, and the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph.