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.
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.