Wildfire Incident Information
Terrain
Satellite
OSM
This fire is no longer active
0% contained
Fire Status
OUT
Last Updated
12 months ago
Fire Start
Tuesday, August 1, 2023 11:26 AM MDT
Incident #
2023-MTNWS-000274
Fuels
timber/brush
Dispatch Notes
contained
Primary Fire Agency

Department of Natural Resources and Conservation — Northwestern Land Office

Current Weather

Fire Growth Potential

Fire Weather Forecast

Incident Overview

Inciweb information was updated: 1 year, 2 months ago

The Gravel Pit Fire is burning in heavy fuels on a mix of private and federal land located along Highway 2 near Houghton Creak and McGinnis Meadows Roads. The human-caused fire was discovered on Tuesday, August 1. Firefighters from Montana DNRC, USFS and Fisher River Valley Fire Rescue responded quickly after it was reported. Fire activity includes spotting, torching and active consumption of heavy fuels. 

The Gravel Pit Fire is a full suppression fire and firefighters are creating fuel breaks and containment lines and performing structure protection assessments and preparations. Air resources have been used as needed to slow fire spread and cool down areas of heat.

Evacuations: Pre-evacuation notices have been issued to those who live near the area by the Lincoln County Sheriff. Evacuation information can be viewed on the Sheriff’s Facebook page

For the safety of firefighters and first responders, avoid traveling through the incident area along Hwy 2 whenever possible. If you must travel, please exercise extreme caution and DO NOT STOP along Hwy 2! Due to fire activity and smoke across the roadway, visibility is impaired. There is an increase in traffic including emergency response vehicles and large equipment.

Basic Incident Details

Last Updated
Fri, Aug 4, 2023 11:59 AM UTC
Incident Type
Wildfire
Cause
Human Caused
Fire Discovered
Tue, Aug 1, 2023 6:26 PM UTC
Location
Highway 2 south of Libby near Silver Butte
Incident Commander
Jesse Best - Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Coordinates
48.027332833333, -115.3545

Current Situation

Total Personnel
80
Size
200 Acres
Containment
0%
Fuels Involved

Timber (grass and understory), brush and short grass.

Significant Events

Moderate single tree torching, spotting and group torching.

Planned Outlook

Projected Incident Activity

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.

Remarks
Avoid traveling through the incident area whenever possible. If travel is necessary, exercise extreme caution allowing for adequate visibility and firefighter safety.