Highway 35 fire zone access loosens up

Cool weather and recent rain have aided crews fighting wildfires in Lake County, though strong wind could create more problems at any moment.

The Boulder 2700 Fire along the east shore of Flathead Lake had reached 2,100 acres and was 46% contained as of Tuesday morning.

The type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team that assumed management of the fire on Aug. 2 handed over management Sunday to a local type 3 team under the direction of Clint Davis.

Areas south of mile marker 9, including Finley Point, remained in stage 1 (“Ready”) of the “Ready-Set-Go” plan for wildfire evacuations on Tuesday. Residents in the areas from mile marker 9 to 11 were in stage 2 (“SET”) and should be prepared to evacuate if the fire activity increases.

Highway 35 has reopened with a speed limit of 35 mph from mile markers 6 to 13 for public and firefighter safety. Pilot cars are leading traffic from the north and south through mile markers 9 to 11.

Earlier this week, all fire growth was upslope to the east. Helicopters continued to drop water on hot spots and flare-ups while ground crews worked to secure and build containment lines.

Near the Highway 35 corridor, firefighters patrolled and checked structures as new smokes were observed throughout the fire area, and sawyers continued to remove fire-weakened trees susceptible to blow down in heavy winds.

A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place for air space over the fire zone.

Interagency fire managers initiated Stage II fire restrictions for all of Lake County on July 17, and those restrictions remain in effect.

Stage II fire restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire; smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials; and operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Additionally, operating an internal combustion engine, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame, and use of explosives are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Outside of those hours, a one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of all activities.

Crooks Fire still growing

Meanwhile to the south, the Crooks Fire 10 miles east of Arlee has grown to 3,258 acres and is at 0% containment, according to the government website inciweb.nwcg.gov. The Crooks Fire also is being managed by a local type 3 team. It is led by Art Trahan.

The fire has been moving to the southeast in rugged terrain and has not moved closer to any occupied structures. There are no evacuation orders in place.

St. Mary’s Road to the North Fork remains closed, and the main Jocko Road (1000 Road) was still closed at the 3000 Road junction on Tuesday.

Firefighters were expected to focus on Jocko Road near Jocko Prairie this week.

Emergency cleanup permits available

The Lake County Planning Department has begun issuing emergency permits “to help facilitate the cleanup and rebuilding process” for properties damaged by the Boulder 2700 Fire. Permit fees will be waived for qualifying work.

Those with questions about what projects qualify and how to apply should contact the Planning Department at 406-883-7235 or planning@lakemt.gov.

Fire Relief campaign underway

The Greater Polson Community Foundation is raising funds to support the Finley Point/Yellow Bay firefighters with a Fire Relief campaign after the devastating effects of the Boulder 2700 Fire.

Volunteer firefighters purchase their own gear, and some of their gear was destroyed along with firefighting equipment while battling the Boulder 2700 Fire. The public can help firefighters with a tax-deductible gift to the Fire Relief campaign. Funds raised will go to the Finley Point/Yellow Bay Volunteer Fire Departments. Donations may be made at http://gpcf.betterworld.org/campaigns/fire-relief.

Each year the foundation holds a Passion for Polson dinner, dance and auction the first Thursday of August. This year’s event has been cancelled due to the effects of the fire season and the pandemic.

Some donated items will still be auctioned off and are available for a sneak peek. The auction goes live Sept. 2 and runs through Sept. 16. Visit www.greaterpolsoncommunityfoundation.org and click on the online auction tab to learn more.