NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5 INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON

COLT FIRE
AUGUST 18, 2023
Location: 15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake, Montana Information Line: 406-247-0922
Start Date: 7/17/2023 Cause: Lightning Size: 7,154 acres Containment: 46%
Total Personnel: 431 Engines: 10 Helicopters: 5 Hand Crews: 9
CURRENT STATUS
The reported acreage has decreased slightly as ground crews were able to assess the true perimeter more
accurately than was possible through aerial observations. There was limited fire activity on the southern
portion of the fire, allowing crews to strengthen fire lines. Crews on the north and east edges continue
their mop-up efforts and pull hose from sections of the fire line where it is no longer needed.
An updated Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) covers a smaller area and the ceiling is now 9,500 feet.
The updated TFR will still be in effect 24 hours a day due to continued night operations with the
unmanned aerial system (UAS, i.e., “drone”) conducting infrared flights looking for areas of heat along
the fire’s perimeter.
PLANNED ACTION
In areas of containment, crews collected hose lays and equipment will be collected and ready for reuse.
Helicopters and crews are available respond to potential new fire starts. Crews are continuing to mop-up
residual heat along the fire’s perimeter. The majority of the fire’s heat remains on the fire’s southwestern
edge. Chipping operations will continue on the southern and eastern perimeters.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 3 pm Friday to midnight Saturday morning. Strong, gusty winds
will pick up Friday afternoon, with gusts up to 30-40 mph at the mountain ridges, and sustaining around
20 mph. There is a small chance of precipitation with the weather change tomorrow, but the greater
chance will come Sunday to Thursday. Saturday should see temperatures drop slightly and winds die
down.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office has no evacuation orders or warnings in effect due to the Colt Fire
as of 8/14/2023. For evolving Evacuations and Warnings please visit the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office
Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice.
Lake Alva Campground, Lake Inez Campground, and Rainy Lake Campground remain closed at
this time due to firefighter activity in the area. Specific closure information can be found at
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-colt-fire.