Weasel Fire northwest of Trail Creek burns into Canada

The Weasel Fire near the Whitefish Divide grew substantially on Thursday, spilling into Canada and over the Whitefish Divide.

The fire is now 1,100 acres and has burned much of the north shore of Frozen Lake, which spans the U.S.-Canada border.

While the fire has crossed the Whitefish Divide, it is still several miles from Trail Creek to the east, where homes are located.

The Graves Creek and Trail Creek Roads remain open, but the Therriault Lakes Road, which provides access to the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area, is closed.

That area is popular with campers and hikers.

About 75 firefighters are assigned to the blaze and Canadian fire managers are also fighting the fire, but the Flathead River drainage in Canada is largely uninhabited by people.

Yesterday’s growth came after a combination of high temperatures and high winds. The next few days should be a cooler, though temperatures by Sunday will be back into the upper 80s and by Monday the 90s.

There is little chance of rain.

“It will be with us for awhile,” said fire information office Jim Innes.

The Weasel Cabin and the Mount Wam Lookout Cabin were both wrapped with fire resistant material to protect them, Innes said.