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Mill Lake & Blodgett Lake Fire Updates for Sept 20, 2022
Mill Lake Fire
Publication Type: News 09/21/2022
Fire Name Acreage (estimated)
Blodgett Lake 2303 acres
Mill Lake 913 acres
Big Creek 156 acres
Bear Creek 234 acres
Summary:
Due to recent precipitation and cooler temperatures, the Bitterroot National Forest has lowered its fire danger to "High" down from "Extreme".
The Forest is also lifting Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective immediately. https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/bitterroot/news-events
Dry conditions with high north winds are predicted for Tuesday. The weather conditions may create small opportunities for fires to kick back up inside the burn area. Smoke may be visible in the Bitterroot Valley, but fire officials expect minimal growth.
Crews continue to work on the shaded fuel break along the forest boundary. Please use caution and expect increased logging truck traffic in the Mill Creek area.
A structure protection group continues coordination with Fire Departments to scout and assess structures adjacent to Forest Service land east of Big Creek, Bear Lake, and Blodgett Lake fires. The assessment helps fire officials identify opportunities to improve defensible spaces and create a strategy for future fire risk. Firefighters continue widening fuel buffers on road #1325 using wood chippers to clear brush in vulnerable locations. Fire resources will be stopping traffic at the intersection of 737 and 1325 to help complete the work that remains. Crews will continue work on a continuous indirect control line along the Forest Service - Private Property boundary from Mill Creek south to Blodgett Canyon, utilizing heavy equipment. The Bitterroot Hotshots completed line improvement near Don Mackey Point.The Forest has implemented trail closures across the fire area. Refer to the Bitterroot National Forest website for details https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot
Weather:
Dry weather moved into the valley today with strong northerly winds predicted Tuesday. Wet conditions are expected Wednesday with dryer conditions returning Thursday.
InciWeb: Mill Lake Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392/
Bitterroot National Forest Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot
Air Quality: https://fire.airnow.gov/
