The East Fork Fire was detected on the Fortine Ranger District on 7/30/23 on a ridge just west of the East Fork of Sunday Creek, approximately 12 miles south of Trego, MT. Aggressive initial attack combined with air resources responded to the fire. Hot, dry, and windy conditions have been causing fire growth. A local Kootenai Incident Management Team 3 took command of the fire Tuesday, August 1st. 

Heavy timber & subalpine fir

Very active fire behavior, group torching and spotting continued. Fire continues to progress on all sides and mainly progressing towards the east, which is the most active side of the fire.

On August 3rd, crews continued to construct and finalize the anchor, implement fuel breaks and strengthen control lines. 

48 hours: Thunderstorms expected to arrive Friday with the potential for gusty outflow winds and lightning.

12 hours: Fire activity expected to increase throughout the day as warm temps and low RH, along with northerly winds a concern. Single tree torching with spot fire development is likely.

12 hours: Low relative humidity and moderate temperatures will result in active fire behavior. With fine dead fuel moistures at 3

24 hours: Increased cloud cover and cooler temperatures will reduce the potential for fire spread on Friday. Northwest winds will limit most fire spread to backing along the western flank. Single tree torching may occur, but spotting should be minimal.

48 hours: Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity will significantly limit fire movement in fine dead fuels. Heavy fuels will continue to burn and will be the most likely source of fire spread. Spotting should be minimal. Winds will shift to out of the east shifting the primary direction of fire spread.

72 hours: Sunday will be the peak of the cooling trend with lower maximum temperatures and high relative humidity. This will suppress fire behavior substantially, though expect burning to persist in heavy fuels. Surface fire spread should be limited to creeping and smoldering activity. Expect wind to shift to out of the south changing the primary direction of fire spread.

72 hours: Fire growth will remain minimal through the weekend but will begin to increase Monday. Fire behavior will remain low and slow in surface fuels, but more heat will be present in heavy fuels. Winds will shift back out of the west.