45 still evacuated as Copper King Fire slows

Since growing in 15,000 acres since the beginning of this week, the wildfire near Thompson Falls left 45 residences in evacuation and 130 in pre-evacuation status Thursday.

The Copper King Fire on Thursday was at 21,045 acres. The fire has a 15 percent containment and has reached a cost of over $10 million, according to Lolo National Forest officials.

The fire, approximately eight miles east of Thompson Falls, started on July 31. On August 22, the fire was estimated at 6,900 acres, and the Type III incident team was upgraded to the Type I Northern Rockies Incident Management Team under Greg Poncin the next day. According to Information Officer Pat York yesterday, there were 564 personnel on the fire and resources included five Type I crews, eight Type II crews, 26 engines, five dozers, nine helicopters and 13 water tenders.

The team also started using aerial emission dispensers, or small balls that create a chemical-fire reaction to create low-intensity fires which the grass layers, creating a greater distance between the road and the fire.

York said that they were not ready to estimate whether or not containment will increase, but York expects to make good progress on the perimeter through the end of the week with the additional resources, mild wind and higher humidity in the forecast.

The overall cost of the fire was estimated at $10.8 million as of yesterday, according to York.

Forest Road #56 was closed, except for local residents, up to mile post 4.5. Road number 9991, on the east side of the Thompson River is closed from the 56 junction to the 17-mile-marker. Roads along Spring Creek, Todd Creek, Big Hole Lookout, Munson Creek, Kookoosint and Bay State were also closed along with the Copper King and Clark Memorial campgrounds.

Reporter Bethany Rolfson may be reached at 293-4121 or by email at Reporter@TheWesterNews.com.