Copper King Fire near T. Falls grows to 1,286 acres

No containment achieved yet as officials anticipate windy conditions 

The wildfire near Thompson Falls has spread rapidly through the remote area near Montana Highway 200, near Thompson River Road.

Currently the fire is burning 1,286 acres with 0 percent containment, Copper King Wildfire Public Information Officer Erin Fryer said Thursday, although, Fryer said the percentage of containment is expected to increase within the next couple of days.

As of Wednesday, the costs of the fire have already exceeded $1.3 million dollars.

The fire was reported on July 31. As of yet, the cause of the fire is undetermined, but officials say that there are investigations underway.

Due to the steep and rocky terrain, firefighters have not been able to go directly in the fire, Fryer said. However with yesterday’s cooler weather, firefighters were sent on the line.

There are currently 363 personnel on the fire including the firefighters and a Type II incident command team.

In terms of resources, there some engines on the scene, with some heavy equipment on the road. There are two heavy helicopters, two medium helicopters and two light helicopters. There is also an air attack and single engine air tanker.

A Type II incident response team under the supervision of John Thomson is currently in the Copper King Fire region. Type II teams are made up of some of the most experienced firefighters in the country, but work on less high-profile fires than elite Type I teams.

The fire is terrain driven, with the northern and eastern sides of the fire are the most active at this point. Although, there are internal fires and single-tree torching.

There have been no injuries reported as of Thursday afternoon.

Officials say that the upcoming weather is not ideal, with significant increases in temperature and drops in humidity.

According to an August 1 Forest Supervisor’s Order, Clark Memorial Campground is closed in its entirety, as is Copper King Campground. Travel is prohibited on Spring Creek Road, beginning at its junction with Weeksville Road to the end of the road, is also closed. ACM Road, beginning at its junction with Thompson River Road to its junction with Plains Thompson Road, is closed. Many trails are also closed at this time, including Todd Creek Trail, Big Hole Lookout Trail, Spring Creek Trail, Munson Creek Trail, KooKooSint Trail and Bay State Trail.

Reporter Bethany Rolfson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at Reporter@TheWesternNews.com.