Saddle Creek Fire growing

The fire west of Arlee grew 165 acres during the night, and its now estimated at 465 total.
The fire’s origin is suspected arson and is currently under investigation.
The fire is now partially lined and a large burnout operation was conducted overnight. Containment is estimated at 20 percent, a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes press release said.

The fire has now reached heavy thick timber consisting of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and western larch in moderate to steep terrain with numerous rock outcrops and cliffy areas. Firefighter safety is the number one priority, a CSKT press release said.

Currently, nine 20-person crews, two helicopters, two single engine air tankers, two bull-dozers, two-skid genes, two water tenders, and numerous fire engines from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and local volunteer fire departments are dispatched to Saddle Mountain.


A “red flag warning” has been issued for Saturday, translating to low relative humidity and extreme fire behavior and moderate winds approximately 4-8 mph. Weather for Sunday suggests lower temperatures.

.US. Highway 93 thru Arlee should see an increase in fire traffic. The public is advised to use caution while traveling as smoke from the fire may impede driving conditions. The use of headlights is encouraged.