The “extremely active” Magpie Rock Fire near Dixon on the Flathead Indian Reservation has grown to 3,100 acres with 0% containment as of July 31, according to Confederated Salish Kootenai Division of Fire.
More than 300 personnel are now assigned to the lightning-caused fire.
Firefighters strengthened and extended fire lines on the northeast flanks of the fire and it continues to consume small pockets of unburned trees and vegetation inside its perimeter.
Firefighters continue extending fire lines using hand tools, saws and heavy equipment on the east side of the blaze to prevent its expansion toward the Revais Creek drainage. A burnout operation is planned once containment lines are established.
Yesterday, helicopters dropped water to cool hotspots, which slowed the fire’s growth while creating safer conditions for firefighters establishing a fire line.