LIBBY – Crews are continuing to battle a trio of wildfires that are burning on the Kootenai National Forest in Lincoln County.
The Tenmile fire which is burning 19 miles southwest of Eureka is now 91% contained and has burned 681 acres. Meanwhile, the nearby Sterling Complex fire has now chewed through nearly 1,100 acres and is 23% contained.
A new Incident Management Team has taken over at the scene of the Tenmile and Sterling Complex, which consists of the Huckleberry, Pinkham Tower and Swamp Creek fires.
Crews are emphasizing work on the east and northeast flanks of the fires to keep them from moving further into Skunk and Edna creeks where a pre-evacuation notice is in effect.
Fire managers report that smoke and haze are helping to slow the blazes by allowing the fire behavior to calm down.
A pre-evacuation notice remains in effect for Edna Creek Road, Lake Creek Road, Sutton Ridge Road, and Swamp Creek Road. Residents in those areas are being advised be prepared to evacuate on short notice The most up-to-date evacuation information can be found by calling (406) 293-6295.
Several road and trail closures remain in effect in the area and Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in effect on the Kootenai National Forest. ?
