08/19/2026
CHERRY PEAK FIRE: More crews being flown in Thursday
INCIDENT REPORT Aug. 20, morning
An infrared (IR) flight last night mapped the Cherry Peak Fire at approximately 140 acres. The fire remains 0% contained but continues to hold within its mapped footprint. IR mapping showed fire perimeter growth along both the northern and southern flanks. One area of relatively intense heat was detected along the southern flank, where heavier fuel concentrations are present. Much of the remaining fire perimeter showed scattered heat and no heat was detected outside the mapped fire perimeter.
Smokejumpers and heli-rappelers stayed in place on the fire overnight to maintain a presence in the remote fire area, while ground crews hiked out at the end of shift. After receiving this morning’s operational briefing, firefighters are returning to the fireline to continue begin containment line construction.
On the south flank, smokejumpers and heli-rappelers inserted yesterday were able to build three helispots for crew access today. A 10-person module and a 20-person Type 2 initial attack crew will be flown in today to begin direct line construction along the right flank of the fire down toward the heel. Crews assigned to this area will remain spiked out on the fire overnight.
On the north flank, crews scouted an access route into the heel of the fire yesterday. Today, a Type 2 initial attack crew will begin cutting out an access route to the heel. This line will be critical for firefighter access, medical evacuation needs, and future work along the left flank of the fire.
A helicopter will transport firefighters directly to nearby helispots, reducing hike time through difficult terrain and allowing more of the operational period to be spent building and improving line. Aircraft remain available for suppression support, reconnaissance flights, and moving crews and equipment as needed.
WEATHER:
Weather will remain warm and dry, with temperatures in the upper 70s. Variable winds are expected at 5–10 mph, with no precipitation forecast over the next several days. As temperatures warm this afternoon and winds increase, surrounding communities may see increased smoke.
CLOSURES:
A forest closure is not in place at this time.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented over the fire area. This allows for firefighting aircraft to safely work over the fire area. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../mtlnf-cherry-peak
UPDATED POST Aug. 19, evening
As of Wednesday evening, Aug. 19, Lolo National Forest reports: The Cherry Peak Fire remains estimated at approximately 130 acres with 0% containment.
The fire continues to hold within the retardant lines established by aircraft on Aug. 18. Helicopters and large airtankers (LATs) supported suppression efforts throughout today with water and retardant drops, helping keep the fire within its current footprint.
Firefighters on the ground spent much of the day working to access the heel of the fire on the southwest end from the Cherry Creek drainage. The ridgeline being used for access has a high concentration of dead and down vegetation, making progress slow. Crews are moving carefully through the area while mitigating hazard trees and other safety concerns along the route.
Wednesday morning, nine smokejumpers were inserted near the top of Cherry Peak to construct a helispot for future crew transport and supply missions. Reduced fire activity also created an opportunity for heli-rappelers to be lowered onto the right flank, where they constructed a second site for sling load operations.
The work completed by these crews will improve access to the fire area, reduce hike-in time, and allow firefighters and gear to be moved more efficiently as crews continue efforts to construct containment line around the fire.
Resources currently assigned to the fire include two engine crews, one module, two Type 2 initial attack crews, smokejumpers, heli-rappelers, and overhead personnel. Two interagency hotshot crews are expected to arrive tomorrow afternoon.
Aircraft, including helicopters and LATs, are regional assets and may continue to support suppression efforts as needed by firefighters on the ground.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over the fire area.
Information for this fire will be available on the Lolo National Forest page and on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../mtlnf-cherry-peak.
ORIGINAL POST Aug. 19, morning
A lightning strike on Aug. 18 apparently sparked a fire about one mile southwest of Cherry Peak, with the smoke plainly visible from Thompson Falls, MT, and other parts of the Clark Fork Valley. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain, about seven miles southeast (and across the river) from Thompson Falls. It is burning towards the 2007 Cherry Creek burn scar. The nearest residence is about four miles from the fire, with the blaze currently burning in the opposite direction.
On Aug. 18, two Large Air Tankers (LATs) provided retardant drops on the fire’s right flank with two more LATs due to help. Two Type One helicopters conducted multiple water drops on the fire’s heel. Crews from Wildfire Modules A and B cut through about 1.5 miles of vegetation to reach a ridgeline from which to attack the fire’s heel.
Lolo National Forest posted this update late Wednesday morning, Aug. 19: "This morning, the Lolo National Forest Type 3 Organization assumed command of the Cherry Peak Fire. An aerial flight early this morning mapped the fire at ~130 acres with 0% containment.
"The Lolo Type 2 IA crew arrived this morning [Aug. 19] and is working their way into the fire along with the Module and engine crews. With a decrease in fire activity overnight, a load of smoke jumpers will be inserted this morning. Aircraft remains available to support ground resources as needed and where they can be effective."
NO DRONES, PLEASE!
Lolo National Forest reminds people NOT to fly any drones near the area: "A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented over the fire area. This allows firefighting aircraft to safely work over the fire area. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t!”
Check the Lolo National Forest page for updates.
