Sheep Fire Update 8-26-15 9:00am
The Sheep Fire is still about 1 mile south of Essex on the Flathead National Forest. It has not grown over the past few days, and remains at 607 acres, burning in very steep terrain with limited access. Light fire activity yesterday allowed the continued movement of equipment to the fire area in preparation for removal of fuels. Burlington Northern Santa Fe trains will continue to transport firefighters to the fire area. Equipment has begun to build a shaded fuel break to the northeast of the fire, running between the train trestle and Essex following the river corridor. Helicopters will help with bucket drops when not hindered by low visibility. Logs being removed will be taken out by train to the Schellinger gravel pit for eventual removal. Goals are to keep this fire from going north towards Essex and moving into the transportation corridor along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
The Granite Fire is west of Marias Pass and south of Hwy. 2 in and north of the Great Bear Wilderness. It is burning on 289 acres in very steep terrain in a mixed conifer forest below a ridge. Yesterday the fire backed down in all directions. Crews have implemented structural protection measures on several backcountry cabins, trailhead structures, a wooden road bridge and a radio repeater. Three engines will continue to monitor the fire and look for opportunities to build fireline when sufficient resources are available, with a helicopter supporting the fire today. Construction of a shaded fuelbreak using logging equipment in advance of the fire is planned unless conditions change.