Summary
Today was a good day. The burn out operations in the area of the South Fork of Two Medicine Creek were very successful. The wind was favorable for most of the day and much of the area that needed to be burned to secure the fireline burned well. There is no change in evacuation orders or levels.
Because of active fire behavior yesterday, the evacuation levels on the east end of the fire changed. The different levels are described as: Level 1 is the lowest level, and is notification that there is a possibility of an evacuation. Level 2 is notification that there is a possibility of an evacuation and take steps to be ready to evacuate if need be. Level 3 is notification to evacuate.
Level 3 The area north of BIA2 between the South Fork Two Medicine River and BIA 1 to the Two Medicine River. Level 2 The area west of the South Fork Two Medicine River south of BIA 2 and south of U.S. Hwy 2. Also that area east of BIA 1 north of Heart Butte to the Two Medicine River. Level 1 That area north of the junction of BIA 2 and U.S. Hwy 2, north to and including East Glacier.
U.S. Hwy 2 is open, but there is a speed restriction in the fire area.
Yesterday was a relatively good day with only small fire growth. The fire spotted over control lines in the S. Fork Two Medicine River drainage prompting the evacuation levels to change. The north end of the fire east and north of Dog Gun Lake is in good shape. The south end on Mule Ridge is well secured as well. Crews continue to reinforce fire lines and burn out to fortify those lines. Once again we are the #1 fire in the nation.
Weather: Winds are expected to shift from the east to the south this afternoon that will put smoke into East Glacier. Those winds will not be near as high as the previous days however. Higher humidity's should moderate fire behavior. High temps 75-86 depending on elevation, min. humidity 21-30%
Badger Cabin, which is an USFS cabin in the Badger Creek tributary south of the fire, has been wrapped with fire resistant foil. The fire is now 19 miles long. The most easterly reach of the fire is to the Deep Creek drainage on the Blackfeet Reservation, and to Mule Ridge to the west near Skyland Road. Base camp is located south of Hwy 2, just south of Skyland Road.
