Firefighters Are Quickly Choking Out Many Fire Starts

Gusty winds and dry thunderstorms the past couple of days are the cause of several new fire starts across the state, and the likely cause of others. Firefighters continue to attack each new fire agressively, using hand crews, heavy equipment, and when possible, air support. Here are the latest updates on many of the new and ongoing wildfires. (Note: Daily reports are no longer being posted for the Horse Gulch Fire near Canyon Ferry Reservoir, or the Deadman, McGhee, Prairie and 4-mile Fires in Rosebud and Big Horn counties, as all are now in mop-up phase.) This information comes from several sources, including DNRC news releases, InciWeb, and posts on U.S. National Forest Facebook pages.

SKYLAND CREEK FIRE (S of Hwy 2)

The Skyland Creek Fire was detected yesterday (July 25) . The fire is located west of Skyland Road, less than one mile south of U.S. Highway 2. An engine from the Hungry Horse Ranger District responded to the lightning caused fire. The crew was assisted by a Type 1 helicopter throughout the fuel cycle. The progression of the fire has been stopped at 0.25 acres; crews will remain on scene overnight to continue suppression actions.

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P‍ORKUPINE CREEK FIRE (8mi. SW of Swan Lake)

The Porcupine Creek Fire was detected yesterday (July 25). The fire is located on the Swan Lake Ranger District, approximately 8 miles SW of Swan Lake in the Middle Fork Porcupine Creek drainage. A Swan Lake RD engine crew is responded, and a rappel crew has been requested.

CALBRICK FIRE (Bob Marshal Wilderness)

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The Calbick Fire received 0.1-0.2" of rain overnight. No smoke or active growth could be seen in this morning's recon flight.

GILBERT RANCH FIRE (Near Dodson, on the Ft. Belknap Reservation)

This fire was reported Thursday afternoon, south of U.S. Highway 2, and near highway 66. In windy condition, and fueled by dry grass, it has quickly grown to 3968-acres.

Its cause has not been determined.

CASTLE ROCK FIRE (S of McGregor Lake)

The Northwest Montana office of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation reports another new lightning-caused wildfire. Marion Volunteers were first on the scene Thursday (July 25) evening, and DNRC also responded, sending 3 Engines; 1 Helicopter; 4 Fire Bosses; 1 Air Attack; 1 (20 person) Hand Crew; 2 Dozers; 1 Water Tender. The fire is currently a half-acre burning in timber and dead slash.

ZELEZNY FIRE (1 mi. E of Rollins)

This 2.5-acre fire was reported early Thursday (July 23) morning, and is 90% contained.

HUBBART DAM ROAD FIRE (1.5 miles east of Hubbard Dam)

This fire was also first reported on July 23rd, and its cause is under investigation. At around 10 acres, it is now 75% contained, and crews are mopping up.

MILLER PEAK FIRE (7mi S of Missoula)

Despite strong, gusty windstorms Wednesday and Thursday, firelines are holding, and this 2660-acre fire has not grown any larger, according to the Friday morning report from incident commanders, via InciWeb. Some personnel and equipment have been loaned to fight other fire starts in the area.

Crews continue with their “mop-up” operations and patrol, working along the previously constructed handline around the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters are well prepared to respond to any increases in fire activity, and work continues to strengthen existing containment lines. In the southeastern section of the fire, crews have halted progression of the fire with special focus on the structures at risk and connecting lines to the Northeast. The I-90 corridor is the priority for the heavy equipment.

BUTLER CREEK FIRE (7mi NW of Missoula)

Firefighters were able to hold the line through Wednesday and Thursday's windstorms, and the 307-acre Butler Creek Fire is now 90% contained at 307-acres. 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. Public and firefighter safety remains the top priority for operations. Crews may remain in the area for many days to come completing their mop up operations.

FRASER FIRE (Rattlesnake Wilderness)

This is one of several small fires on the Lolo National Forest. According to a post on the forest's Facebook page, the 2-acre fire is near the Fraser Creek Drainage, and is being tended to by multiple resources, including four helicopters, one hotshot crew, one engine, and one Initial Attack Module.

SILCOX CREEK FIRE (Near Thompson Falls)

This lightning-caused fire was discovered Thursday near Silcox road in Thompson Falls. This fire creeped into piles of debris, but firefighters were able to quickly surround it at just a half-acre, and are now monitoring it.

DOUBLE ARROW LOOKOUT FIRE (SW of Seely Lake)

The Double Arrow Lookout Fire is located southwest of Seeley Lake. The fire was quickly contained at 0.1 acres and is now on monitor status.

MM11 Fire (S of Seely Lake)

The MM11 Fire is located near the Clearwater river and Hwy 83 south of Seeley Lake. This fire was contained at 0.1 acres and is on monitor status.

DRY COTTONWOOD FIRE (Near Cottonwood Lake)

The Dry Cottonwood Fire is located on Cottonwood Lake and contained at 0.1 acre. It is now on monitor status.

SOUTH FORK FISH FIRE (In the Fish Creek WMA)

The South Fork Fish Fire is located south of Lion Point in the Fish Creek Wildlife Management Area. This fire was determined to be 0.2 acres and crews were able to get saw line around these fires and are working on finishing up containment today (Friday July 27).

SOUTH FORK PETTY FIRE (S of Alberton)

This 1/10-acre fire is located on FS Road 16219, west of Old Petty Creek Road. Crews and engines were able to reach the fire and get handline and saw line around it. Fire crews are working towards full containment of this fire today.

TEPEE FIRE (S of Libby)

Crews have successfully completed a line around the entire fire perimeter, which was held at 8 acres, and are now continuing with mop up operations to address hot spots within the fire interior.

Categories: North Central Montana News