Tribes work to contain Pistol Creek fire
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UPDATE: Wednesday, Sept. 24
The Pistol Creek Fire is only 40 percent contained, according to an update from Division of Fire. The fire is still at about 15 acres. No structures are threatened at this time.
News from the Division of Fire, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
ST. IGNATIUS — Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Division of Fire responded to a report of a wildland fire in the Pistol Creek area of St. Ignatius around 2:15 p.m. Saturday. A CSKT initial attack engine was sent to the fire along with air operations to aid in suppression.
The fire, located six miles southeast of the town of St. Ignatius, was about 10 acres when firefighters arrived and put a fire line around it. The fire grew to about 15 acres as of Tuesday, but is 100-percent contained, according to C.T. Camel, prevention specialist for the Division of Fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“We’re probably 80-percent sure it is a lighting holdover,” Camel said.
The fire likely started with a lightning strike that was only smoldering until it reached some old logging slash, he said, “And that’s when it showed its head.”
One CSKT engine, two tenders, one type 2 Native American Crew, one dozer, two skidgins and a type 2 helicopter are working the fire as of Tuesday.
The Flathead Indian Reservation is currently at “high” fire danger, and 80-degree temperatures are forecasted all week.
Open burning is closed until Wednesday, Oct.1.