ARLEE - The Big Knife Fire burning five miles east of Arlee has grown from 6,275 acres to 6,958 acres with containment holding at 7% as of Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.
Fire managers report the blaze spread on the east side Thursday further into the primitive area resulting in a growth of 683 acres.
Several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire remain in pre-evacuation status and Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads remain closed in the Tribal Primitive Area.
There are 221 people assigned to the lightning-sparked blaze.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation.
