Single Publication

Solomon Fire Update - Sept. 4, 2022

Fire behavior and activity on the Solomon Fire increased late yesterday afternoon due to critical fire weather. Yesterday, the fire grew from 75 acres to approximately 150 acres in size, burning steadily into a heavy fuel component of dead and down trees. Increased fire activity was observed on both the east and west flanks of the fire at around 4:00 pm due to winds. The fire is still burning in a large bowl of dead and down trees (at approximately 6,800 feet in elevation) below a ridgeline, exhibiting fire behavior that consists of occasional single and group tree torching, short-range spotting, and short up-hill runs. The location of the fire is in steep and thickly timbered terrain with snags, or hazard trees, making up about half of the standing fuel.
 
Today, firefighters and engines will be actively patrolling the Rock Creek Corridor and remaining vigilant of the conditions. Firefighters are also patrolling the fire from the air. The fire is typically most active during the afternoon and early evening hours when temperatures are high and relative humidity is low. A helicopter may be used as needed to check and limit fire spread.
 
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. 
 
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. Smoke and flames may be visible as temperatures warm. Fire activity is expected to increase in the afternoons with hot 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