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Montana Wildfire Update For August 1, 2020

The growth of a large wildfire on the Flathead Indian Reservation has slowed. The Magpie Rock Fire near Dixon has burned 3,167 acres as of Saturday morning, and is now 30% contained. 

According to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire, a burnout operation on Friday was successful. Helicopters dropped water to cool hot spots, which helped slow the fire's growth and provide safer conditions for firefighters constructing fire line. But with high temperatures, low RH, and steep and inaccessible terrain, conditions remain challenging. 

Over 300 firefighters are on the scene and aerial burnout and mop-up operations continue. No structures are threatened at this time. To reduce risk to firefighters and the public, the D-6000 road between Revais and Magpie and the Magpie D-5000 roads are closed. 

Officials last updated information on the Horseshoe Fire near Polson Thursday. The fire had burned 140 acres along the Flathead River at the time and was 20% contained. No structures are threatened.

The Clear Creek Fire near Perma was listed as 100 percent contained after burning roughly 350 acres.

The Whistle Creek Fire in Sweet Grass County was also listed as contained Friday, and the Sweet Grass County Sheriff's office reported that fire crews were able to return to their stations.

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Nora Saks is a freelance radio and print journalist investigating themes of environmental justice in the Crown of the Continent and beyond.