Single Publication

Bowles Creek

News - 07/25/2023

Bowles Creek Fire

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Bitterroot National Forest

Fire Information: 406-426-9130

Email: 2023.bowlescreek@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bowles-Creek-Fire-Information 

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtbdf-bowles-creek

July 25, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

Location:  3 miles west of Skalkaho Pass in the Bowles Creek drainage

Start Date: 7/20/2023     Cause: Lightning      Size: 1,555 acres           Completion: 0%

Total Personnel: 121      Engines: 4                Helicopters: 3              Hand Crews: 3 

Fire Danger is VERY HIGH on both forests (Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and Bitterroot NF).

CURRENT SITUATION & PLANNED ACTIONS

Yesterday’s weather caused some increased fire activity throughout the fire perimeter, with areas of torching and more surface fire. Two Type 2 helicopters provided bucket work to help delay fire growth. On the west side of the fire, bucket work helped cool the southwest corner. On the east side, bucket drops helped delay fire growth on a second spot north of Bowles Creek. Firefighting crews and resources from both Forests continue to establish opportunities on both sides of the fire for “indirect” (away from the active fire edge) firelines. Previous fire lines and dozer lines used in the 2022 Hog Trough fire have provided success in planning objectives. On the west side, resources will be prepping the Daly Creek Road (711 Road) and 711A Road), constructing a fuel break adjacent to the road with hand crews. On the east side, crews will be working to the south from the Bowles Creek Road (5071 Road) to the 313 Trail.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

The passing cold front brought cooler temperatures with overcast skies and higher relative humidity. Temperatures on Tuesday will range from 70-75. Winds are southwesterly in the 5-10 mph range, with a chance of a gusts increasing mid-day to 25-35 mph. Wednesday's forecast is sunny with similar temperatures in the 70s and gusty, southwesterly winds. Overnight winds will decrease to around 15 mph. Tuesday calls for cooler temperatures with chance of thunderstorms later into the week.

Timbered drainages with heavy dead and down trees will expect active fire with potential for torching. Grass and brush are still green, however they will still support fire spread. The gusty southwesterly winds could increase fire activity.

The fire is producing smoke that is visible from numerous locations along the Skalkaho Highway and in the Bitterroot Valley and Philipsburg.

CLOSURES

Road and trail closures in the fire area are being considered to provide for public and firefighter safety. Specific closure information and maps will be posted on the Forests’ website and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are in place.

The Skalkaho Pass Road remains open. Those recreating or traveling in the fire area are encouraged to be aware of the situation and to pay attention to increased fire traffic.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire area for the safety of the aviation resources.