Aggressive Thunderstorms Meet Aggressive Response

As promised, dry thunderstorms swept across western and central Montana Wednesday afternoon and overnight. DNRC's Northwestern Montana office sent out a press release this morning noting one new fire start, and saying they expect more will be reported as the day goes on. Here are the reports of new and ongoing fires we've seen as of noon today (Thursday, July 25):

ZELEZNY FIRE (1 mi. E of Rollins)

Reported approximately 4am Thursday (July 25)1 mile east of Rollins between Hwy 93 and Flathead Lake . Resources responded from multiple agencies including DNRC, Chief Cliff VFD, Rollins VFD and Polson Rural Fire. Fire fighters have a line around the 2.5-acre fire, and are continuing to work controlling areas of heat.

TEPEE FIRE (S of Libby)

Kootenai National Forest reports a new fire south of Libby. The Tepee Fire is estimated at 5-8 acres with the cause currently unknown. Kootenai resources are on scene, with assistance from the Fisher River Volunteer Fire Department and the Libby Unit DNRC. Resources include multiple engine crews and hand modules along with heavy equipment and a Type 2 helicopter working the fire. Smoke and/or the fire may be visible from Hwy 2.

UNNAMMED FIRE (NW of Stevensville)

Over 200 lightning strikes were detected over the past 24 hours in the Bitterroot National forest. Smoke was detected last night off the Stevensville Cutoff Road, south of Bass Creek. Two firefighters are hiking into the area this morning. The fire is currently estimated to be 1/4 acre in size. A Hotshot crew from the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has been ordered and is enroute to assist the #BitterrootNF crews. A Chinook helicopter was ordered to drop buckets of water.

BLACKTAIL CANYON FIRE (SE of Butte)

Firefighters have held this fire to just 80 acres, so far, and are working on mop-up operations on portions of the fireline that that are secure enough to do so. However, dry thunderstorms are expected to develop again this afternoon, and wind gusts associated with those thunderstorms may reach 50 mph. Relative humidity will bottom out at 10-15 percent. Fire officials are keeping a close tab on these conditions, as they affect fire behavior. With the volume of fuel still available in and adjacent to the fire area, and the amount of internal residual heat, this fire still has the potential to spread. Snags and falling trees threaten the safety of ground crews. Fire officials are also concerned about the proximity of the fire location to recreation sites such as the Continental Divide Trail and the Silver Bow Archery Range in Thompson Park.. The public is advised to stay out of these areas, as crews and helicopters continue their work. Evacuation warnings remain in effect for area residents, who should be prepared to leave on a moment's notice.

HORSE GULCH FIRE (2 mi. N of Canyon Ferry Reservoir)

At 15,167 acres, this is the third-largest fire currently burning in Montana. It has been 95% contained, and fire activity has been described as "minimal" for the past couple of days. Crews are mopping up the perimeter and repairing damage caused by fire suppression operations (such as mending fences). Some personnel and equipment are being released to assist with other fires.

MILLER PEAK FIRE (7mi. SE of Missoula)

At 2660 acres, this fire is now 25% contained. Presently there is line around the perimeter of the fire that is secured with hand dug lines, machinery and cold burned areas. Firefighters are well prepared to prevent breach of the line, focusing on the northeastern side of the fire. In the southeastern section of the fire, crews have halted progression of the fire with special focus on the values at risk and connecting lines to the Northeast. The I-90 corridor remains a vital value and is the priority for the heavy equipment and air attack on the east side.
There were record breaking wind speeds recorded for the Missoula area. Mount Sentinel was showing gusts of 109 mph. The fire area received up to ¼ inch of rain. over the fire area. Another round of thunderstorms will develop over the next 24 to 36 hours.

BUTLER CREEK FIRE (7mi. NW of Missoula)

Containment on the 307-acre Butler Creek fire is now at 80% and suppression efforts continue. Containment is a measure of confidence that the control line around the fire will effectively halt fire spread. That confidence will be tested later today as another round of strong thunderstorms develops. The crew managed to stay on top of fire suppression during Wednesday evening’s intense winds and thunderstorm. There are currently 16 personnel on the fire, including 4 engines, 1 dozer, and 1 skidgen. Crews will continue “mop up” operations along the fire perimeter, systematically patrolling to detect and extinguish any residual heat sources. Crews may remain in the area for many days to come completing their mop up operations.

CALBRICK CREEK FIRE (Bob Marshall Wilderness)

Flathead National Forest posted on Facebook that this half-acre fire was spotted on Sunday, and is burning in the Calbick Creek drainage of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, near the boundary with the Great Bear Wilderness. The fire was estimated at approximately 0.5 acres as of this morning. The Spotted Bear Ranger District is managing the fire.

IT SHOULD GO WITHOUT SAYING....

The Custer-Gallatin National Forest posted on its Facebook page, a note that over the weekend Firefighters found abandoned campfires in the Johnson Creek area and this one in the Moser Creek area. Please do your part - ensure your campfire is cool to the touch before leaving.