Published August 23, 2025, 1545 hours PDT
INCIDENT SUMMARY
The KNOWLES FIRE broke out on private lands on August 17, 2025, in the Knowles Creek area, about six miles east of Paradise (Sanderson County), Montana. Firefighters are currently having to be ferried across the Clark Fork River by boat.
Photo Credit: ALERT California
CURRENT STATUS
The fire has burned about 2,304 acres, and resources have gained a 6% containment status.
Fire behavior has been observed as active with short crown runs, short-range spotting and flanking.
FIRE OPERATIONS
- Firefighters successfully burned off the indirect line on the ridge east of Little Money Creek to secure the eastern flank and connect into the MM91 fire.
- Western edge-It is being held by steep rocky terrain, the previously burned area left from the 2023 East River Road Fire, and a constructed direct line. B
- Both tactics are to help keep the fire contained and protect the surrounding communities and Highway 200.
- Today, aircraft will be utilized for aerial ignition to burn out the Little Money Creek drainage to secure the eastern edge and stop spreading to the east.
- Direct and indirect lines are being assessed and constructed beyond the peak north of the top of Knowles Creek to connect west and north control lines.
- This is intended to help keep the fire from spreading north and west into the surrounding communities.
- Easterly winds will help the fire burn back on itself, but this will cause smoke to continue to settle in the Highway 200 corridor and communities west of Knowles Creek.
- The Sanders County Sheriff’s pre-evacuation notice is still in place for residents in the McLaughlin area.
Resources
There are 236 total personnel, along with six engines, two Hotshot crews, and five handcrews, along with multiple pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this incident.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, THREATENED
The Cost to Date has reached 2.1 million dollars.
Multiple homes are being threatened, prompting evacuations to be in effect.
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