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Stateline Complex fires grow to 3,740 acres

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Posted at 10:35 AM, Jul 28, 2021
and last updated 2021-07-28 12:35:48-04

ST. REGIS — The Stateline Complex fires burning southwest of St. Regis have grown to 3,740 acres and are 3% contained.

The road closure for USFS Road 50 (St. Joe River Road) has been expanded from Quartz Creek down to Eagle Creek to the state line on Golds Pass into Montana.

The Stateline Complex showed active fire behavior Tuesday with groups of torching trees, short runs, and spotting, including a spot fire that occurred on the south side of the St. Joe River near the Tumbledown fire.

Fire managers note the remote location, steep terrain, limited access, distance between fires, and lack of suppression resources continue to challenge firefighting efforts.

A spot fire occurred near the Tumbledown fire within the Stateline Complex Tuesday on the south side of the St. Joe River.

The Stateline Complex includes the following fires:

  • Berge Peak - contained
  • Broadaxe - contained
  • Deception – 147 acres
  • Dolly Creek – 705 acres
  • Fly 2 and Fly 3 merged and is now called the Fly 3 Fire – 92 acres
  • Fly Creek – 19 acres
  • Simmons Ridge – 144 acres
  • Simmons Ridge 2 – 320 acres
  • Simmons Leg – 43 acres
  • Swimming Bear – 20 acres
  • Tumbledown – 2,171 acres
  • Wampus Creek – 3.8 acres.

Larger fires burning to the west of the Stateline Complex are contributing to high level smoke in the area. Unhealthy air quality will be observed throughout the day.

The Lolo National Forest has issued several emergency closures due to increased fire activity on the Stateline Complex. Road and trail closure information can be found here.

There are 344 people battling the lightning-sparked Stateline Complex fires.