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Tin Soldier Fire Fact Sheet - August 6

The Tin Soldier Complex originally consisted of 4 fires burning in heavy fuels near Swan Lake, Montana. As of August 6th, the Complex had grown to 2,368 acres across 3 active fires - the Bruce Fire at 977 acres, Kah Mtn Fire at 304 acres, and Sullivan Fire at 1,087 acres. Personnel were conducting structure protection efforts and installing sprinkler systems around areas at risk like the Spotted Bear Ranger Station and nearby ranches. The Heinrude community was under evacuation orders. Stage 2 fire restrictions and road/area closures were also in place. Cooler weather with rain was expected to help moderate fire activity.

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910 views2 pages

Tin Soldier Fire Fact Sheet - August 6

The Tin Soldier Complex originally consisted of 4 fires burning in heavy fuels near Swan Lake, Montana. As of August 6th, the Complex had grown to 2,368 acres across 3 active fires - the Bruce Fire at 977 acres, Kah Mtn Fire at 304 acres, and Sullivan Fire at 1,087 acres. Personnel were conducting structure protection efforts and installing sprinkler systems around areas at risk like the Spotted Bear Ranger Station and nearby ranches. The Heinrude community was under evacuation orders. Stage 2 fire restrictions and road/area closures were also in place. Cooler weather with rain was expected to help moderate fire activity.

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Tin Soldier Complex Fact Sheet

Flathead National Forest Land Management

FLATHEAD INTERAGENCY TYPE 3 TEAM INCIDENT COMMANDER: MIKE WEST

Fire Information: 406-758-6458 Email: [email protected]


https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-tin-soldier-complex
Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 9:00 am

Location: 17 miles east of Swan Lake, Montana


Start Date: 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning Size: 2,368 acres Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 75 Engines: 2 Type 2 IA Crew: 1 Masticators: 1
Water Tender: 1 Heavy Equipment Task Force: 1
Note: Additional personnel from the Spotted Bear District are “on loan” and assisting with fire related
operations. Priority will be given for initial attack if any other fires on the Spotted Bear District are
detected.

ATTENTION
To provide for public and firefighter safety, the East Side South Fork Road #38 is closed to public
travel and the West Side South Fork Road #895 is closed to public travel near the 15 mile just past
the Lid Creek Campground.

SUMMARY
The Tin Soldier Complex was originally made up of 4 fires burning in timber litter with heavy dead and
down fuels. The Tin Soldier Complex is located on the Spotted Bear Ranger District of the Flathead
National Forests, approximately 17 miles east of Swan Lake. The fires associated with the Tin Soldier
Complex started by lightning on Saturday, July 30th. Past fire activity has included torching, spotting, and
active consumption of heavy fuels.

Current Acres burned as of the morning of August 6th.


• Bruce Fire – 977 acres at 0% containment
• Kah Mtn Fire – 304 acres at 0% containment
• Sullivan Fire – 1,087 acres at 0% containment
• Con Kelly Fire – 0.25 acres – Out.

The Tin Soldier Complex is estimated at 2,368 acres in size and remains 0% contained. Fire activity
Saturday was low between the 3 fires. Data was collected yesterday afternoon with an unmanned aircraft
system (UAS). The data is currently being processed and updated acreage on the fire perimeters will be
updated later today.

The Bruce, Kah and Sullivan fires are being managed with point source protection to protect values at
risk. Values at risk include Stony Communications Site, hydro-electric plant, Heinrude residential
community, commercial guest ranches and the Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound. Fire personnel
have conducted initial assessments and preparations for structure protection in the above identified areas.
PAST AND PLANNED ACTIONS

Fuel breaks have been established around the Wilderness Lodge and the hydro-electric facility. Hose line
and sprinklers have been set up around the Wilderness Lodge. Exposed wood on the hydro-electric
facility was wrapped and sprinklers were installed along Addition Bridge. Fire personnel are continuing
structure protection efforts for the Spotted Bear Ranch, Diamond R Ranch and the Spotted Bear Ranger
Station compound. A safety zone has been established on the Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound.
Crews will continue installing hose line and sprinkler systems around the Spotted Bear Ranch, Diamond
R Ranch and the Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound. Fire personnel are developing a structure plan
for the Heinrude residential community. Those efforts will continue today and into tomorrow.

EVACUATIONS, CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS

Evacuation: An evacuation has been issued by the Flathead County Sheriff for Heinrude community.

Restrictions/Closures:
• Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect as of August 5th.
• A road restriction is in effect for the East and West Side South Fork Roads.
• An area closure is in effect for the front country of the Spotted Bear district as well the Gorge
Creek drainage within the Bob Marshall Wilderness area, including Feather, Inspiration, Gorge,
Canyon Trickle, and Stadium Creeks.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for air space over the Tin Soldier Complex to provide a
safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. This includes the Spotted Bear and
Meadow Creek Airstrips! Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to UAS or
drones. If you fly, we can’t!

WEATHER
Cloud cover will keep temperatures cooler today with max temperatures reaching between 70 -75F with
increased relative humidities. Chance of rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.

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