August 30, 2023 Rescind Pre-Evacuation Warning
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pre-Evacuation Warning Rescinded – East Fork Fire
Olney, MT – Wednesday, August 30, 2023 @ 01:00 p.m.
The Pre Evacuation Warnings issued on August 17, 2023, and August 20, 2023, are rescinded, and will be effective at 01:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. A Pre-Evacuation Warning may need to be reissued if the risk of danger to life and property should again warrant such action.
For more information, please visit https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes/emergency-management/east-fork-fire-information or call the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services Public Information Line at 406-758-2111.
August 20, 2023 Downgrade EVACUATION ORDER to PRE-EVACUATION Warning Status
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Downgrade Mandatory Evacuation – East Fork Fire
Olney, MT - Sunday, August 20, 2023 @ 02:00 p.m.
The Evacuation Order issued on August 18, 2023, for all properties North of mile marker 146 on Highway 93 to mile marker 157.9 -- Lincoln/Flathead County line, and the Residents of Good Creek Road, and those who access Good Creek west to the Lincoln County line have been downgraded to a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING and will be effective at 02:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2023
All PRE-EVACUATION warnings issued on Thursday, August 17, 2023, are still in effect.
Residents may return to their homes under a Pre-Evacuation Warning but may need to leave again on short notice if required. An Evacuation Order may need to be reissued; however, if that is deemed necessary, the Evacuation Order process will re-commence.
For the most current information regarding evacuation status please visit https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes/emergency-management/east-fork-fire-information or call the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services Public Information Line at 406-758-2111.
Please see the map below for the Pre-Evacuation Warning Area.
August 17, 2023 PRE-EVACUATION WARNING Press Release
August 17, 2023
From: Sheriff Brian Heino
To: Media
EAST FORK FIRE - Flathead National Forest - Olney.
The East Fork Fire, Kootenai National Forest - Flathead County/Lincoln County has grown with winds and heat conditions to 2600 acres.
From the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services:
The East Fork fire experienced growth due to high temperatures, low humidities and winds to approximately 2,600 acres overnight and early today. Lincoln and Flathead Counties, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Bonneville Power, Montana Department of Transportation, and Burlington Northern Railroad cooperators have been engaged to provide information and their involvement including emergency actions for public safety.
Pre-evacuation area includes Highway 93 north beginning at Mile Marker 142 north to Flathead/Lincoln County line. Crossroads and affected addresses can be found on the https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes webpage.
A pre-evacuation means the agencies involved believe there is a possibility of the fire spreading into the area. This time allows residents the opportunity to make arrangements for their home, pets, livestock, and family in advance. Residents, landlords, hotels, and businesses in this area should also have a plan in place to evacuate should the need arise.
The American Red Cross has identified a shelter location at the Columbia Falls Junior High School, 1805 Talbot Road. This shelter is currently in standby status, and we request that you please call the Red Cross in advance at 1-800-733-2767 prior to your arrival if you plan to stay at the shelter.
This is not a mandatory evacuation. Sheriff's Office personnel will conduct door-to-door notifications of residents in the affected area.
Evacuation notices will be announced/published on radio, tv, online, social media, and through our Emergency Notification System, Code Red.
To sign up for Emergency Notifications and a Homeowner’s To Do List, please visit the Fire Service Area page on the County’s website, https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes or call the
Flathead County OES Public Information Line is active 406-758-2111.
Please note: We are answering multiple calls; if you are unable to get through, please leave your contact information and your call will be returned.
August 18, 2023 MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER Press Release
UPDATED August 18, 2023
For these reasons, Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino has issued a MANDATORY EVACUATION for residents and visitors:
- North of mile marker 146 on Highway 93 to mile marker 157.9 -- Lincoln/Flathead County line
- Residents of Good Creek Road, and those who access Good Creek west to the Lincoln County line
NOTE: All PRE-EVACUATION issued August 17 are still in effect including Olney, MT
Please review the map to understand the area involved. If you are close to the area, we recommend that you are prepared to evacuate quickly in case the fire line moves.
A Mandatory Evacuation means there is a strong probability of wildfire moving into the targeted area. Ash and fire debris are likely and can spread with the high winds expected later today. Residents and visitors in the area should respond quickly and determine steps to secure your home, pets, livestock, and family. Residents, landlords, hotels, and businesses in this area should also have a plan in place to evacuate.
Fire is unpredictable and can change rapidly. We cannot predict how much time people will have to evacuate, road conditions, etc. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT IF YOU ARE IN OR NEAR THE EVACUATION AREA THAT YOU LEAVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Members of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office are going door to door.
We ask the public to stay away from this section of Highway 93 until further notice. There is an increase in traffic including emergency response vehicles, large equipment, and law enforcement. Please remember to pull over and allow emergency vehicles to pass.
The American Red Cross has established a shelter in Columbia Falls. If you plan to use the shelter, please call the Red Cross in advance at 1-800-733-2767 prior to your arrival.
https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes/emergency-management/east-fork-fire-information page.
For more information, call 406-758-2111.