Overview
- Incident managers report the July Lightning Incident has burned about 65,150 acres in the United States with roughly 700–750 personnel assigned to suppression and support operations.
- The largest fire is Bear Trap (combined with Dark) at 37,885 acres and about 40% contained, while Little Knife is about 4,815 acres and roughly 90% contained, and Chub is fully contained at 424 acres.
- Recent storms brought rain and cooler temperatures that slowed fire activity in some sectors, but shifting winds and dead fuel from insect damage keep the risk of renewed flare‑ups high.
- Crews are building hand lines and shaded fuel breaks in remote canoe‑access terrain and are planning logistical missions for the Thumb Fire that include a radio repeater and helicopter landing and supply sites to allow more firefighters to work safely.
- Closures, burn bans and temporary and permanent flight restrictions remain in effect; Echo Trail now allows 24‑hour access for residents and property owners with escorted travel during the day, and officials urge people to keep drones grounded and follow evacuation maps and forest alerts.