Single Publication

What: Mill Lake Fire
Discovered: August 29th
Cause: Lightning
Location: Upper Mill Creek Canyon, 7 miles west of Pinesdale, MT. Stevensville Ranger District

Summary: The lightning-caused Mill Lake Fire located on the north side of Mill Canyon and north of Mill Lake, has grown to 1,589 acres. Most of the growth in the last two days occurred on the north and west sides of the fire, pushed by winds from a passing cold front. According to the latest mapping, there has been little to no growth on the east side of the fire (further down canyon) towards Pinesdale and private property.

Due to heavy smoke in the Mill Creek drainage, fire staff were not able to fly the entire fire today. The fire perimeter is estimated around 1,589 acres and had minimal growth yesterday. A few small spots to the west of the main fire above Mill Lake are burning in the rocks and in a small band of timber with smoldering and creeping. The main fire is currently smoldering and creeping in the down and dead. There is little to no movement to the east (down canyon) from the last report. 

With recent smoke this week, the lightning-caused Blodgett Lake fire wasn’t as visible via aircraft and has increased in activity. The Blodgett Lake fire located approximately 3.5 miles east of Blodgett Lake and 7 miles west of the Blodgett Creek Trailhead is now estimated at 70 acres after several days of easterly winds.  It was discovered by air patrol on 8/27.  The fire did cross the main Blodgett Creek on the east flank of the fire and is smoldering in the down and deal fuels, with isolated pockets of open flames on the south and west flanks. Most of the progression of the fire was parallel to the creek and to the south (up drainage).  Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire this week.  These will continue through the weekend (as needed).    

Terrain: The fire is burning in very steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain with large boulder fields, and a heavy component of dead standing timber (snags). Due to the difficult terrain and no landing locations for a helicopter, the fire is not currently staffed. The terrain and the presence of snag trees, limits the ability to safely place firefighters directly on the fire.

Fire Behavior: Isolated single tree/group tree torching creating short range spotting when conditions align. Clear skies today and more ventilation will help to increase fire activity as the inversions and smoke lift.

Planned Actions: Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire each day this week. The helicopters have been very effective at checking and slowing the fire’s spread. Helicopters will be used again today, and this weekend (water drops) as needed.

Firefighters are continuing to clear brush and thin fuels along Sheafman Road from Cow Creek Trailhead to Sheafman Trailhead. They are also doing fuels prep/reduction from Cow Creek Trailhead along the private land down to and including Mill Creek Trailhead. Crews will continue scouting for further opportunities to build indirect fire line.

Additional Resources: A 20-person hand crew (Type 2) and an additional engine (Type 6) will arrive today to assist crews with digging hand line and fuels reduction work. Heavy equipment has also been ordered (excavator and processor) to begin work on a shaded fuel break from the Mill Creek Trailhead south along the private land.

Weather: A Canadian cold front will bring breezy east to northeast winds to western Montana today with gusts up to 20 mph. The front will also bring cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Chances for wetting rains are very low. A ridge of high pressure will rebuild over our area on Sunday through at least next Tuesday, bringing warmer and drier conditions.

Safety Concerns/Closures: Firefighter and public safety is always the highest priority during a wildfire. No amount of protection for a structure or resource is worth the loss of human life. No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened by the Mill Lake Fire. An emergency road closure and several trail closures, including Mill Creek Trail #364 are in place for public safety. For additional closure information visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392.

Fire Danger: Fire Danger is currently “Extreme” on the Bitterroot National Forest, the highest level possible. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions also remain in place. Visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more information on local fire restrictions.

2022 Fire Season: This summer, there have been 59 wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest; 10 human-caused and 49 lightning fires.