Hundreds of firefighters attack blaze near Paradise

More than 250 firefighters alongside a fleet of apparatus continued to attack a wildfire that sparked up last week just east of Paradise along the Flathead River north of Montana 200.

The Knowles Fire was estimated at 3,638 acres on Monday, Aug. 25, with containment estimated at 16%. The Western Montana All-Hazards Incident Management Team assumed leadership over the incident, with Ken Parks as commander.

The fire was first reported Aug. 17 near the Full Curl Wildlife Management Area in Sanders County. It started in a grass field and expanded into an area of timber litter and tall grass that contributed to the fire's rapid spread.

The cause remained unknown as of Monday.

A pre-evacuation notice remained in place for residents in the McLaughlin Creek area. About 784 structures were considered threatened by the fire, but none had been destroyed.

The total personnel tally was around 260 firefighters, including seven engines, two Hotshot crews and five hand crews, as well as multiple pieces of heavy equipment. The estimated cost to fight the fire hit $3 million over the weekend.

Firefighters were building and strengthening containment lines on the northwest flank where fire activity remained most active, according to a report issued Monday morning. 

Helicopters were hitting the blaze with water drops to cool the fire’s edge and provide safer access for firefighters on the ground. 

Along the northern perimeter, crews were expanding containment lines following a burn operation. In the south, firefighters attempted to extinguish hot spots.

"The terrain in this area is steep and rocky, making access challenging," the report noted. 

Fire growth has been minimal on the east flank.

About six miles southwest of Frenchtown, the Corral Creek Fire was estimated at 408 acres on Monday.

About 180 firefighters were on the incident that was started by lightning on Aug. 20. The fire was 0% contained.

Some forest roads are closed within the 9 Mile Ranger District, but no evacuation had been issued and no structures are threatened.

The total cost to fight the fire was $1.8 million as of Monday.

    A bulldozer cuts a fireline to help contain the Knowles Fire in Sanders County on Aug. 22, 2025. Crews are using ground equipment to reinforce control lines and improve access in steep, forested areas. (Inciweb photo)
  

    CSKT Division of Fire personnel joined aerial observation flights to assess fire behavior and terrain on the Knowles Fire in Sanders County on Aug. 21, 2025. (Inciweb photo)