The Garden Creek Fire, which is burning outside of Hot Springs, has grown to 500 acres and is only three percent contained.
The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Division of Fire reported there are now 117 people assigned to fight the lightning-sparked blaze that’s burning in timber along steep, rocky, and rugged terrain.
Crews continued to construct control lines on the southwest and southeast flanks of the fire on Sunday while Single Engine Air Tankers played a critical role in firefighting efforts by dousing hot spots. Helicopters are also dropping water on hot spots.
Fire managers said a burnout is planned for the southwest flank once the control lines are complete and explosives will be used in steep and rocky areas to eliminate the threat to firefighters.
The following roads are closed until further notice:
- The HS-4000 road
- HS-5000 road
- HS-1000 road at the HS-5030 junction to the north of the fire
- HS-1000 road at the McGinnis road junction to the south of the fire.
