Dry Cabin Fire Update, Wednesday, September 22nd

Today, Wednesday, September 22nd will be the last scheduled update for the Dry Cabin Fire. The area closure for the Dry Cabin Fire will be lifted at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23. Please be aware that Forest visitors may see internal smoking and encounter smoldering in heavy vegetation within the fire perimeter until a season-ending event occurs such as significant snowfall. Please use caution and recreate responsibly in burned landscapes. Hazard trees, burned stump holes, ash pits, and debris may exist in and around the burned area. 

Current Situation:

The cold front moving through the area over the last week brought strong gusty winds with scattered rain and light snow showers. A light blanket of snow hit the fire area Monday but melted by Tuesday. The weather for the week ahead is another warming trend with above average temperatures and strong afternoon winds through the weekend.  The fire management transitioned back to the Seeley Lake Ranger District Tuesday and local fire officials will open the area closures beginning Thursday, September 23 at 12:01 a.m. Internal smoke and smoldering in heavier vegetation may be visible until significant snowfall occurs. Updates will be shared on the Lolo National Forest Facebook page and Inciweb as needed or if significant changes occur, otherwise, this will be the last weekly update. There are no fire restrictions on the Lolo or Flathead National Forest, however, be aware that there have been a handful of small fires just over the last week on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District and a new 100-acre fire north of the Dry Cabin Fire on the Flathead National Forest.

Area and Trail Closures:

Area and Trail Closures will be lifted as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, September 23rd, 2021.

General Information:

Many secondary trails are not cleared due to heavy blowdown, contact local offices for trail updates. Exercise caution traveling in the backcountry; pay attention to fire activity, wind and weather, especially in the afternoons when fire activity is highest. The Lolo and Flathead National Forest have no fire restrictions currently, however, the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions. Please visit www.MTFireInfo.org for fire restriction information. Information for this incident will be updated weekly on Wednesday's. Posting at Info Boards will occur as personnel are available. Please visit the Incident Information System (InciWeb) for the most up to date information https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7660/.