Rain helps Thorne Creek firefighters improve containment to 80%
A U.S. Forest Service firefighter works on to eliminate hot spots on the Thorne Creek Fire north of Thompson Falls. Recent rain fall has helped crews get the fire to 80% containment. (U.S. Forest Service photo)
Plenty of rain last week aided firefighters greatly in their efforts on the Thorne Creek Fire just north of Thompson Falls.
According to fire officials, between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell on the region and an infrared flight Sunday resulted in a significant increase in containment to 80 percent. The fire is estimated at 38,688 acres as of Monday.
Firefighters plan to continue mop up as needed and conduct suppression repair in the contained portion of the fire.
The Southern Area Gold Team plans to transfer command back to the Lolo National Forest at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25.
The Thompson River Zone remains in pre-evacuation status and open to residents only. Thompson River Road, the Deer Horn and Beatrice Road systems, and West Fork of Fishtrap Creek Road (including the campground) remain closed.
Information boards in Thompson Falls will be removed on Tuesday.
Saturday’s rain kept fire activity to a minimum which allowed firefighters to secure most of the fireline, bringing containment to 80 percent.
One divisions worked on suppression repair and finished removing equipment. Another division found and extinguished several hotspots and removed structure protection equipment along the Thompson River Road.
A third division Echo continued improvements along the 7685 Road system to Fishtrap Creek Road. A fourth crew mopped up the slopover north of the mechanical line along Sundance Ridge.
On Monday, a repair Group planned to improve fire line along the western containment edge.
Evacuation: The Thompson River Zone is now in pre-evacuation status and open to residents only.
Closures and additional information
• A temporary flight restriction is in place and available at tfr.faa.gov.
• Thompson River Road, the Deer Horn and Beatrice Road system, and the West Fork of Fishtrap Creek Road
(including the campground) remain closed.
• Forest closure information is available on InciWeb under the “Maps” and “Closures” tabs.
• STAGE 2 fire restrictions are in effect. Visit mtfireinfo.org to learn more.