ARLEE - The Big Knife Fire five miles east of Arlee has grown from 2,710 acres to 4,412 acres burned as of Friday morning.
Fire managers report the blaze was continues to be active, burning north of Big Knife Creek and into the Gold Creek drainage. On the south side, the fire was established in Agency Creek.
The fire is burning in extremely steep terrain, fueled by heavy timber and significant dead and down fuels, so crews continue to try to flank the fire and monitor the southwest edge. Aircraft will assist crews as conditions allow, although limited visibility has hindered some air operations.
A community meeting to discuss the Big Knife, Niarada, and Mill Pocket fires will take place on, Friday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Elmo Community Center. The meeting will be broadcast live on the CSKT Division of Fire Facebook page.
The Big Knife Fire remains visible from Missoula and throughout the Jocko Valley.
There are 122 people assigned to the lightning-sparked blaze which remains 0% contained.
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Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation.
