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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 23, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.

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

Start Date: 7/20/2023     Cause: Lightning      Size: 1,300 acres           Completion: 0%

Total Personnel: 85        Engines: 0                Helicopters: 1              Hand Crews: 2 

The Bowles Creek Fire is being led by Northern Rockies Team 8, under the leadership of Brad Bergman, Incident Commander, effective 6:00 a.m. today.

CURRENT SITUATION & PLANNED ACTIONS

A Type 3 Incident Management Team (Northern Rockies Team 8) took control of the fire at 6:00 a.m. this morning. Last evening’s reconnaissance flight and ground resources have estimated the fire area currently at 1,300 acres. An infrared flight is on order to obtain more accurate additional mapping information.

Firefighting crews and resources from both Forests continue to establish “indirect” (away from the active fire edge) firelines, utilizing natural barriers and the existing road and trails systems. On the west side, resources will be prepping the Daly Creek Road (711Rd), constructing a fuel break adjacent to the road. On the east side, crews will be hiking into the fire area along a trail and fireline used in the 2022 Hog Trough fire, working to the south from the Bowles Creek Road (5071Rd) to the 313 Trail. Other resources will be working on establishing a landing zone for use by aviation resources. Additional resources are on order, including engines and heavy equipment.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

The weather forecast calls for areas of smoke and partly cloudy skies, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. High temperatures are expected in the mid-90s, relative humidity in the 10-20% range, and southwest winds in the 10-20 mph range. Warmer and drier conditions, conducive to active burning conditions, are predicted to last through the weekend. Monday’s forecast is similar with high temperatures, slight chances of thunderstorms, and winds increasing.

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.