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Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
Other
Solomon Fire
Unit Information
Incident Contacts
- Missoula Ranger DistrictEmail:Phone:406-329-3814Hours:9:00 am -3:30 pm
Solomon Fire Update - Sept. 10, 2022
Solomon Fire
Publication Type: News 09/10/2022
Over the past few days, the Solomon Fire grew by approximately 50 acres and is now estimated to be 400 acres in size. The fire continues to slowly grow and exhibit moderate-active fire behavior, primarily on the eastern and the northern flanks of the fire. Yesterday’s cool weather and high humidity slowed fire growth and moderated fire behavior considerably. The fire continues to slowly burn in the main bowl below Solomon Mountain (at approximately 6,800 feet in elevation), burning through the heavy dead and down fuels.
Firefighters are anticipating warm and dry conditions which will persist through the weekend. A helicopter is being used as needed to check fire spread, focusing on the northern flank of the fire to prevent the fire from becoming established in the Solomon Creek drainage. The fire is most active in the afternoons, exhibiting fire behavior that consists of occasional single and group tree torching, short up-hill runs, and creeping, driven by current weather conditions.
Firefighters and engines continue to actively patrol the Rock Creek Corridor and are also patrolling the fire from the air. Those recreating in the area may see or hear helicopters working. Smoke may be visible from the Rock Creek Road, the Rock Creek recreation corridor, and parts of the Bitterroot Valley. If you are recreating in the Rock Creek area, please drive with caution as fire vehicles will be present.
The terrain, fuel type, and the presence of snag trees limit the ability to place firefighters directly on the fire. Firefighter and public safety is the top priority when assessing this engagement. No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened.
*The next update will be on Tuesday, Sept. 13.
Incident Overview: The Solomon Fire is being managed under a point protection strategy which means that highly valued resources (such as buildings, infrastructure, or recreational assets) are being strategically protected from the fire, utilizing various natural and geographic features (past wildfires, trails, rock, and cliff bands) while protecting other values consistent with the Welcome Creek Wilderness. Air support, such as helicopters, may be used to slow and limit potential fire spread. Firefighters are patrolling and monitoring the fire via air and from vantage points on the ground and utilizing fuel moisture measurements, field weather observations, and fire models to inform the suppression strategy.
Fuel Type
Burning in heavy timber, dead and downed timber, and snag trees (overhead hazards).
Fire Behavior
Occasional torching and uphill runs, creeping, and smoldering. Fire activity and smoke is expected to increase in the afternoons with warm and dry conditions.
CLOSURES
Emergency trail closures are in place for public safety:
- Solomon Ridge Trail #142, from milepost 0.0 at Solomon Ridge Trailhead to milepost 4.2 at its junction with Trail #232.
- Welcome-Sawmill Saddle Trail #232, from milepost 0.0 at its junction with Trail #142 to milepost 5.4.
- Sawmill Ridge Trail #178, from milepost 0.0 at Sawmill Fishing Access to milepost 6.4 at its junction with Trail #232.
- Welcome Mountain Trailhead