Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can be unhealthy to breathe, especially for vulnerable people such as those with existing heart or lung disease, children, older adults, and pregnant women. Always pay attention to how the smoke is making you feel and check with your doctor right away for help managing symptoms or any specific concerns.

No Cost Ways to Lower Smoke Exposure

1.       Know your air quality. Smoke levels can change a lot during the day so watch for periods of cleaner air to run errands, exercise, or do outdoor chores. Look for opportunities to open windows and doors to let cleaner air into your home if smoke clears.

●        Go online to track fires and smoke here: https://fire.airnow.gov/

●        Have a smartphone? Download the Smoke Sense App. https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-sense-study-citizen-science-project-using-mobile-app

●        Learn the colors of the AQI (air quality index) and what they mean for actions you can take to protect your health. See the AQI table on the next page.

2.       Stay inside with doors and windows closed when it’s smoky. Use towels to block air flow if smoke is coming in through gaps in window or door frames. But don’t overheat! Open doors and windows if you must to cool down. Watch for times when smoke may clear and open windows and doors to clear out smoke that has gotten inside.

3.       Reduce indoor pollution you can control. Reduce or eliminate any type of smoking, no vacuuming, no candles, no incense, no aerosol sprays. Reduce or eliminate use of gas, propane, or woodburning stoves for heat. Do not fry or broil food.

4.       Take it easy. Smoky air is not good for vigorous activities. Put off chopping wood, mowing the lawn, or going for a run. Try to keep children and pets quiet too.

5.       Set air to recirculate on your HVAC or window air conditioner if you have one.

6.       Reduce smoke in your vehicle if you’re out in your car by closing the windows and vents and running the air conditioner on recirculate.

Low to Medium Cost Ways to Lower Smoke Exposure

1.       Leave the smoky area for a few hours or a few days if you cannot keep the air in your home clean or cool. Check the AirNow forecast page for your area to see if there is somewhere you can go to get a break from the smoke. www.airnow.gov

2.       Upgrade your HVAC filters. If you have an HVAC system, upgrade the filters to a “MERV 13” or higher and run the system on recirculate. Filters will need to be changed more often when it’s smoky. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions or an HVAC system specialist.

3.       Buy a HEPA portable air cleaner. For about $100-$300 you can purchase a HEPA portable air cleaner and use it to clean the air in a room in your home (often a bedroom). See more information here including some recommendations on specific cleaners to buy: https://www.montanawildfiresmoke.org/hepa-filters.html

4.       Build a simple box fan filter. For about $40-$50 you can build an air filter by attaching a 20”x20” furnace filter to a 20” box fan (don’t run this unattended or at night). See instructions here: https://www.montanawildfiresmoke.org/diy-fan-filter.html

Use the guide in the attached PDF file to interpret the AQI (air quality index) colors on an air quality map such as this one: https://fire.airnow.gov/


 

A Community Meeting for the #WestLoloComplex will be held on Monday, July 12 at 6 p.m. at the Plains Ranger District Office.

This meeting is open to the public. The meeting will also be live streamed on the West Lolo Complex Facebook page.

West Lolo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 12, 2021   

Contact Information

Information Line: 208-274-9674, 8 AM - 8 PM

Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7620/

Facebook: facebook.com/WestLoloComplex

Twitter: twitter.com/LoloNF

Email:  2021.westlolo@firenet.gov

A Community Meeting will be held at the Plains Ranger District, 408 Clayton Street, Monday, July 12, at 6:00 p.m.  This meeting will be open to the public and streamed live on the West Lolo Complex Facebook page.

All fires are being managed under a full suppression strategy. The fires have been prioritized by the values at risk with public and firefighter safety as the number one priority. Other considerations include minimizing impacts to local communities, private property and structures, timber resources, highway corridors, and recreation improvements.

At this time, limited firefighter resources are focusing their efforts on fires located on the Superior Ranger District due to the high probability of success in containing these fires which includes Sunset and Deep Lookout Mountain.

Superior Ranger District:

Sunset Fire: 19 acres, located up on the Dry Creek Divide, eight miles south of St. Regis

Deep Lookout Mountain Fire: 270 acres, located on the upper reaches of the Deep Creek Drainage, north of I-90, 12 miles east of Superior, and five miles west of Stark Mountain Lookout

The Sunset Fire remains at 17 acres with no further growth due to the solid progress made by firefighters. Fire crews are reinforcing containment lines and mopping up.  Mopping up is a suppression tactic used to reduce residual smoke after the fire has been controlled by extinguishing or removing burning material along or near the control line, cutting down hazardous trees, or moving logs so they do not roll downhill.

The Deep Lookout Mountain Fire was active yesterday and crossed onto the Ninemile Ranger District.  The majority of the growth was to the east.  Firefighters will continue work establishing containment line around the fire today, supported by aerial resources and heavy equipment.

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District:

Siegel Fire: 19 acres, located 3-4 miles up the Siegel drainage northeast of Quinn’s Hot Springs

Sheep Fire:  3 acres, located on the west of the Clark Fork River across from Quinn’s Hot Springs, ½ mile of the ridgeline, and visible from Highway 135 and Highway 200

Cataract Fire: 1 acre, located east of Cataract Ridge

Winniemuck and Thorne Creek:  928 acres, located North East of Thompson Falls

Yesterday resources were assigned to the Cataract fire and began to build fire line around the fire’s perimeter. Fire line construction and mop up activities will continue today.

Yesterday, the Sheep fire did not increase in size and fire activity was moderate with creeping, smoldering, and some interior isolated tree torching. Today, firefighters will continue reinforcing the fires perimeter and implementing mop up operations. 

Yesterday, firefighters focused their efforts on keeping the Siegel fire within existing containment lines. Progress on the fire was stalled as firefighters aggressively took action on a spot that resulted from rolling debris in the steep, rugged terrain. Today, firefighters will continue their work constructing fire line around the perimeter.  Helicopters will continue to be utilized for bucket drops as conditions allow.

The Thorne Creek and Winniemuck are burning in close proximity to each other and both fires saw limited growth yesterday.  These fires are located in steep, rugged terrain, in heavy dead, downed fuels in the Cube Iron/Silcox area and, in their current location, pose an extreme risk to firefighter safety.  Fire managers conduct aerial reconnaissance daily assessing where and when to gain access while developing a full suppression strategy. Smoke will be visible from these fires and, at times, could be significant. Fire managers are continually monitoring all fires from the ground and air and will reprioritize the use of limited resources if threats to the values at risk change.

All fires are being managed under a full suppression strategy. Firefighters have made good progress containing fires initially assigned to the West Lolo Complex and those fires are fully contained and have been reassigned back to the local Ranger Districts.  Resources on those fires and limited additional resources assigned to the West Lolo Complex, have moved to fires that have been prioritized by their threats to values at risk and are focusing their efforts where there is a high probability of success.

Nationally, the Northern Rockies area is the highest priority due to multiple new large incidents and the historic number of Incident Management Teams assigned. Fire activity is high in many locations across the country and fire resources are limited. To view a summary of fire activity nationally and incident management team assignments please visit https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.pdf.

Weather: Hot, dry, unstable conditions will continue today with light winds.  Tuesday will see similarly conditions with a slight chance of a high-based shower or thunderstorm.

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information:

·         Know before you go! Area, road, and trail closures are issued for areas impacted by fire on the Lolo National Forest.  Closure information is updated on West Lolo Complex InciWeb page.

·         A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Deep Lookout Mountain, Siegal, and Sunset fire areas. If you fly, we can’t.  Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

·         Fire Restrictions are not in effect on the Lolo National Forest, visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions. Fire danger remains Very High.  Remember, One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire. 

·         Evacuation information can be found at:

·         Mineral County at https://www.facebook.com/TheMineralCountySheriffsOffice

·         Missoula County at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice/

·         Sanders County at  https://www.facebook.com/Sanders-County-Montana-Sheriffs-Office-1410792339177631/

·         Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WestMontana

West Lobo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 13, 2021

Contact Information

Information Line: 208-274-9674, 8 AM - 8 PM

Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7620/

Facebook: facebook.com/WestLoloComplex

Twitter: twitter.com/LoloNF

Email:  2021.westlolo@firenet.gov

YouTube:  West Lolo Complex YouTube
 

A Complex of fires, meaning information on multiple fires burning on the Superior, Plains/Thompson Falls, and Mineral Ranger District will be provided under one incident name, West Lolo Complex. These fires are visible from the communities of St. Regis, Thompson Falls, Superior, Plains, Ninemile and travel routes in between.

All fires are being managed under a full suppression strategy. The fires have been prioritized by the values at risk with public and firefighter safety as the number one priority. Other considerations include minimizing impacts to local communities, private property and structures, timber resources, highway corridors, and recreation improvements.

At this time, limited firefighter resources are focusing their efforts on fires located on the Superior Ranger District due to the high probability of success in containing these fires which includes Sunset and Deep Lookout Mountain.

Superior Ranger District:

Sunset Fire: 19 acres, located up on the Dry Creek Divide, eight miles south of St. Regis

The Sunset fire did not grow yesterday. Fire crews will continue reinforcing containment lines and mopping up today.  As crews complete suppression activities and resources are no longer needed they will move today to assist with the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire. 

Deep Lookout Mountain Fire: 303 acres, located on the upper reaches of the Deep Creek Drainage, north of I-90, 12 miles east of Superior, and five miles west of Stark Mountain Lookout

The Deep Lookout Mountain Fire was active again yesterday. Handcrews worked with heavy equipment to build containment lines around two spot fires located southeast of the main fire. Today, firefighters will continue building containment line around the fire, supported by aerial resources and heavy equipment.

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District:

Sheep Fire:  3 acres, located on the west of the Clark Fork River across from Quinn’s Hot Springs, ½ mile off the ridgeline, and visible from Highway 135 and Highway 200

The Sheep fire is fully contained.  The fire has not grown in 3 days due to solid progress by firefighters. Firefighters will continue with mop up operations, a suppression tactic used to reduce residual smoke by extinguishing or removing burning material along or near the control line, cutting down hazardous trees, or moving logs so they do not roll downhill.

Cataract Fire: 1 acre, located east of Cataract Ridge

Acreage for the Cataract fire also remained the same.  Yesterday, fire crews utilized bucket drops on a spot fire located 100 yards from the main fire. Today, fire line construction and mop up activities will continue.

Siegel Fire: 20 acres, located 3-4 miles up the Siegel drainage northeast of Quinn’s Hot Springs

Firefighters on the Siegal Fire successfully completed hand line around the perimeter.  Today, they will focus their efforts on reinforcing existing containment lines and completing a hose lay around the perimeter. 

Thorne Creek and Winniemuck:  1,012 acres, located North East of Thompson Falls

The Thorne Creek and Winniemuck fires are burning in close proximity to each other. Both grew in size yesterday and are expected to burn together in the next few days. They are located in steep, rugged terrain, in heavy dead, downed fuels in the Cube Iron/Silcox area and, in their current location, pose an extreme risk to firefighter safety.  Fire managers conduct aerial reconnaissance daily assessing where and when to gain access while developing a full suppression strategy. Smoke will be visible from these fires and, at times, could be significant. Fire managers are continually monitoring all fires from the ground and air and will reprioritize the use of limited resources if threats to the values at risk change.

Summary: Firefighters have made progress containing several fires initially assigned to the West Lolo Complex. Those fires are fully contained and have been reassigned to the local Ranger Districts.  Resources on those fires and limited additional resources assigned to the West Lolo Complex have moved to fires that have been prioritized by their threats to values at risk. They are focusing their efforts where there is a high probability of success.

Nationally, the Northern Rockies area is the highest priority for support due to multiple new large incidents and the historic number of Incident Management Teams assigned. Fire activity is high in many locations across the country and fire resources are limited. To view a summary of fire activity nationally and incident management team assignments please visit https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.pdf.

Weather: Isolated showers with a few thunderstorms may develop over the area this morning and again later this afternoon.  Gusty and erratic winds and lightning will be the primary threat.

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information:

·         Know before you go! Area, road, and trail closures are issued for areas impacted by fire on the Lolo National Forest.  Closure information is updated on West Lolo Complex InciWeb page.

·         A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Deep Lookout Mountain, Siegal, and Sunset fire areas. If you fly, we can’t.  Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

·         Fire Restrictions are not in effect on the Lolo National Forest. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions. Fire danger remains Very High on the Plains/Thompson Falls & Superior Ranger Districts.  Remember, One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire. 

·         Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WestMontana

·         Evacuation information can be found at:

·         Mineral County at https://www.facebook.com/TheMineralCountySheriffsOffice

·         Missoula County at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice/

West Lobo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 14, 2021

Contact Information

Information Line: 208-274-9674, 8 AM - 8 PM

Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7620/

Facebook: facebook.com/WestLoloComplex

Twitter: twitter.com/LoloNF

Email:  2021.westlolo@firenet.gov

YouTube:  West Lolo Complex YouTube

Fire Statistics

Location: Multiple locations

Date of Origin: 07/6/2021

Cause: Lightning

Total fire acres: 1,533                

Containment: 1 %
  

A Community Meeting will be held at the Community Hall located at the corner of Eddy and Golf Street in Thompson Falls, Thursday, July 15, at 6:00 p.m.  This meeting will be open to the public and streamed live on the West Lolo Complex Facebook page as technology allows.

Firefighters have made progress containing several fires initially assigned to the West Lolo Complex.  The Deep Creek, Quinn, Upper Graves Creek, and Thompson Creek fires that were previously part of the complex may not show up in the daily updates as they are contained and handed back to the Superior or Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger Districts.  Resources on those fires and limited additional resources committed to the West Lolo Complex are re-assigned to fires that have been prioritized by their threats to values at risk. Currently, they are focusing their efforts on Deep Lookout Mountain, Siegel, and Sheep Creek fires due to the values at risk and high probability of success in containing these fires.

Superior Ranger District:

A new start was detected by firefighters on the Sunset fire yesterday located southwest of Superior.  Their aggressive initial response, including the use of air resources, kept the fire under an acre.

Sunset Fire: 19 acres, located up on the Dry Creek Divide, eight miles south of St. Regis

Containment lines around the Sunset fire successfully held through hot and windy conditions yesterday and there was no additional fire spread. Today, mop up operations will continue to ensure no heat exists within the fire’s perimeter.  Fire managers anticipate releasing resources this evening. Those resources will be re-assigned to a fire within the Complex that has been prioritized according to values at risk and firefighter and public safety.

Deep Lookout Mountain Fire: 327 acres, located on the upper reaches of the Deep Creek Drainage, north of I-90, 12 miles east of Superior, and five miles west of Stark Mountain Lookout

The perimeter of the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire spread north and east yesterday within steep, timber-heavy terrain.  Resources worked to build containment lines around two spot fires located southeast of the main fire. Today, fire crews will continue to work with air resources and heavy equipment to construct containment lines around the main fire. Additional resources will be shifted to the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire as containment on other fires within the Complex are completed. 

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District:

Sheep Fire:  3 acres, located on the west of the Clark Fork River across from Quinn’s Hot Springs, ½ mile off the ridgeline, and visible from Highway 135 and Highway 200

Firefighters have successfully contained the Sheep fire and will continue today with mop up operations.  The speedy, efficient progress made on this fire allows for additional resources to be re-assigned to the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire, as it remains the highest priority.

Cataract Fire: 1 acre, located east of Cataract Ridge

No growth on the Cataract fire yesterday.  Fire crews will continue mop up of the fire today.

Siegel Fire: 20 acres, located 3-4 miles up the Siegel drainage northeast of Quinn’s Hot Springs

Yesterday, the Siegel fire grew minimally due to the suppression efforts from the previous few days. Today, firefighters will continue mop up of the fire’s interior. Resources that have completed assigned suppression actions will shift to support higher priority fires within the Complex. 

Thorne Creek and Winniemuck:  1,163 acres, located North East of Thompson Falls

The Thorne Creek and Winniemuck fires are burning in close proximity to each other. Both grew in size yesterday and are expected to burn together in the next few days. They are located in steep, rugged terrain, in heavy dead, downed fuels in the Cube Iron/Silcox area and, in their current location, pose an extreme risk to firefighter safety.  Fire managers with the use of aerial reconnaissance have been daily assessing where and when to gain access while developing a full suppression strategy.  Today, tree felling assisted by heavy equipment will begin in areas identified as access points to implement suppression actions. Smoke will be visible from these fires and, at times, could be significant. Fire managers are continually monitoring all fires from the ground and air and will reprioritize the use of limited resources if threats to the values at risk change.

Summary: All fires are being managed under a full suppression strategy. The fires have been prioritized by the values at risk with public and firefighter safety as the number one priority. Other considerations include minimizing impacts to local communities, private property and structures, timber resources, highway corridors, and recreation improvements.

Nationally, the Northern Rockies area is the highest priority for support due to multiple new large incidents and the historic number of Incident Management Teams assigned. Fire activity is high in many locations across the country and fire resources are limited. To view a summary of fire activity nationally and incident management team assignments please visit https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.pdf.

Weather: High pressure builds over the region today with light winds, increasing in the afternoon ahead of a weather front that will cross the area tomorrow. A weak frontal passage Thursday will result in hot, dry, and breezy conditions.

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information:

·         Know before you go! Area, road, and trail closures are issued for areas impacted by fire on the Lolo National Forest.  Closure information is updated on West Lolo Complex InciWeb page.

·         A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Deep Lookout Mountain, Siegal, and Sunset fire areas. If you fly, we can’t.  Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

·         Fire Restrictions are not in effect on the Lolo National Forest. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions. Fire danger remains Very High on the Plains/Thompson Falls & Superior Ranger Districts.  Remember, One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire. 

·         Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WestMontana

·         Evacuation information can be found at:

·         Mineral County at https://www.facebook.com/TheMineralCountySheriffsOffice

·         Missoula County at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice/

·         Sanders County at  https://www.facebook.com/Sanders-County-Montana-Sheriffs-Office-1410792339177631/

 A Community Meeting will be held Thursday, July 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Hall located in Thompson Falls, on the corner of Eddy and Golf Street. The meeting will be open to the public.  The meeting will not be live streamed. It will be recorded and posted to Facebook. If you have questions that you were going to ask through Facebook, please ask them now on the #WestLoloComplex Facebook page.  #LoloNF

STATE OF MONTANA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 12-2021

EXECUTIVE ORDER DECLARING A STATEWIDE WILDLAND FIRE EMERGENCY TO EXIST IN MONTANA

WHEREAS, extremely hazardous wildland fire conditions currently exist throughout the entire State of Montana, including near record to record high temperatures on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal time frame, excessive fuel loads, continual windy conditions, and low relative humidity; and

WHEREAS, moderate to extreme drought conditions exist throughout 84 percent of the State; and

WHEREAS, 1,398 wildland fires have burned approximately 141,000 acres in Montana as of July 14, 2021, and others continue to ignite; and

WHEREAS, many of these fires are threatening or have threatened residences, outbuildings, and other property and have required evacuations of residents and subsequent sheltering of the evacuees; and

WHEREAS, many of these fires pose an extreme threat to our critical infrastructure and millions of acres of crops, rangeland, and forestland across Montana; and

WHEREAS, nationwide firefighting and aviation resources are experiencing critical shortage levels; and

WHEREAS, as of July 11, 2021, Montana, and other States in the Northern Rockies Geographic Area, are at Preparedness Level 5, which is the highest level of wildland fire activity; and

WHEREAS, firefighters and first responders in Montana communities are dealing with numerous new human and lightning caused fires that place undue stress on volunteer and local capacity; and

WHEREAS, continued deployment of firefighting resources is needed to considerably reduce the number of large wildland fires, which in turn significantly reduces the damage to both public and private property; and

WHEREAS, coordinated aggressive initial attacks on all future wildland fire starts are needed to protect lives and property in the State; and

WHEREAS, the Montana National Guard has substantial capabilities to assist existing local, state, and federal responders in wildfire fighting efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GREG GIANFORTE, Governor of the State of Montana, pursuant to the authority vested in me under the Constitution, and the laws of the State of Montana, Title 10, Chapter 3, MCA, and other applicable statutes, do hereby declare under§ 10-3-103 and§ 10-3- 303, MCA, that a statewide wildland fire emergency exists in the State of Montana, and order as follows:

1.   In accordance with § 10-3-303, MCA, the Governor may mobilize State resources and the Montana National Guard to protect life, health, and property.

2. In accordance with§ 10-3-1001, MCA, the Governor may request resource support from other states under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact for mutual aid assistance in response to the emergency.

3. In accordance with A.R.M . 18.8.1502 and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ("FMCSA") Title 49 C.F.R. § 390.23(a)(l){i), Title 49 C.F.R §§ 390 -399 are hereby suspended for motor carriers and persons operating commercial vehicles while providing emergency relief for 30 days from the date of the declaration. After which, an extension may only be obtained and approved by the FMCSA field administrator.

4. All other applicable state and federal regulations shall continue to apply, including but not limited to: Title 49 C.F.R. Part 382, Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing; Title 49

C.F. R. Part 383 Commercial Driver's License Standards; the federal Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility (insurance requirements) Title 49 C.F.R. Part 387; and adherence to the regulations governing the Transportation of Hazardous Materials as provided in Title 49 C.F.R. 397 and C.F.R. Parts: 107, 171-173, 177, 178 and 180.

5. Suspension of temporary registration and temporary fuel permits normally required under

A.R.M. 18.8.422 for commercial vehicles while providing support.

6. Vehicles operating in excess of legal size and weight shall require oversize/ overweight permits. In accordance with§ 61-10 -111, MCA, a temporary suspension of A.R. M . 1 8.8.509to allow weekend, nighttime, and holiday travel statewide for over-dimensional and overweight vehicles while providing support. During nighttime hours on non-interstate highways, loads exceeding 10 feet wide will need a front pilot vehicle.

7. Vehicles operating in excess of legal size and weight shall require oversize/overweight permits. In accordance with§ 61-10-111, MCA, a temporary suspension of A.R.M. 18.8.509 to allow weekend, nighttime, and holiday travel statewide for over-dimensional and overweight vehicles while providing support. During nighttime hours on non-interstate highways, loads exceeding 10 feet wide will need a front pilot vehicle.

8.  Motor carriers shall not require or allow fatigued drivers to operate a commercial motor vehicle. A driver who informs a carrier that he/she needs immediate rest shall be given at least 10 consecutive hours before the driver is required to return to service.

9.  Motor carriers or drivers currently subject to an out-of-service order are not eligible for the relief granted by this declaration until they have met the applicable conditions for its rescission and the order has been rescinded by FMCSA in writing.

10. In accordance with§ 61-10-111, MCA, and other applicable statutes, applicable vehicles in Montana are exempt from the 10 percent limits of§ 61-10-144(2), MCA, and the operation of vehicles on non-interstate highways is authorized without incurring excess weight penalties under§ 61-10-145, MCA, if the total gross weight of the combination, each axle, or axle group does not exceed allowable weight limitations by more than 20 percent.

This Order is effective July 14, 2021.

GIVEN under my hand and the GREAT SEAL of the State of Montana this 14th day of July, 2021.


GREG GIANFORTE, Governor

 ATTEST:

West Lobo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 15, 2021

Contact Information

Information Line: 208-274-9674, 8 AM - 8 PM

Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7620/

Facebook: facebook.com/WestLoloComplex

Twitter: twitter.com/LoloNF

Email:  2021.westlolo@firenet.gov

YouTube:  West Lolo Complex YouTube

Fire Statistics

Location: Multiple locations

Date of Origin: 07/6/2021

Cause: Lightning

Total fire acres: 1,692                

 Containment: 1 %

A Community Meeting will be held at the Community Hall located at the corner of Eddy and Golf Street in Thompson Falls, Thursday, July 15, at 6:00 p.m.  The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing after its conclusion on the West Lolo Complex Facebook page and the West Lolo Complex YouTube Channel. 

Firefighters have made progress containing several fires initially assigned to the West Lolo Complex.  To date four fires were contained and returned to local resources.  Today, firefighters and equipment are being released from the Sheep and Cataract fires as those fires are 100% contained.  Command of those fires will be returned to the local ranger districts and patrolled by local personnel. Resources on contained fires are being re-assigned to fires that have been prioritized by their threats to values at risk. Currently, they are focusing their efforts on Deep Lookout Mountain fire due to the values at risk and high probability of success.

Superior Ranger District:

Sunset Fire: 19 acres, located up on the Dry Creek Divide, eight miles south of St. Regis
Sunset fire saw minimal growth yesterday due to suppression efforts by firefighters.  Mop up operations will continue today to ensure no heat exists within the fire’s perimeter.  Resources that are no longer needed to support current suppression activities will be re-assigned.

Deep Lookout Mountain Fire: 327 acres, located on the upper reaches of the Deep Creek Drainage, north of I-90, 12 miles east of Superior, and five miles west of Stark Mountain Lookout
Due to the solid progress by fire crews, heavy equipment, and aerial resources the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire saw minimal growth yesterday. Additional resources arrived on scene yesterday including two Type 1 Hotshot crews, two Type 2 handcrews and one engine.  These resources are a critical asset in performing full suppression tactics.  Today, resources will utilize heavy equipment to build containment lines around two spot fires located southeast of the main fire.  Firefighters will also focus suppression efforts establishing direct line around the fire’s perimeter.  Additional resources will be shifted to the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire as containment on other fires within the Complex are completed. 

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District:

Sheep Fire:  3 acres, located on the west of the Clark Fork River across from Quinn’s Hot Springs, ½ mile off the ridgeline, and visible from Highway 135 and Highway 200.
Firefighters have successfully contained the Sheep fire.  The speedy, efficient progress made on this fire allows for additional resources to be re-assigned to the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire, as it remains the highest priority.  This will be the last report for the Sheep Fire unless significant activity occurs. It will be handed back to the district and remain in patrol status.  

Cataract Fire: 1 acre, located east of Cataract Ridge
No growth on the Cataract fire yesterday.  Fire crews will continue mop up of the fire today. This will be the last report for the Cataract Fire unless significant activity occurs. It will be handed back to the district and remain in patrol status. 

Siegel Fire: 20 acres, located 3-4 miles up the Siegel drainage northeast of Quinn’s Hot Springs
Firefighters will continue mop up operations focusing on the fire’s interior. Some resources will shift to support higher priority fires within the Complex.

Thorne Creek and Winniemuck:  1,322 acres, located North East of Thompson Falls
The Thorne Creek and Winniemuck fires are burning in close proximity to each other and are expected to merge in the coming days. They are located in steep, rugged terrain, in heavy dead, downed fuels in the Cube Iron/Silcox area and, in their current location, pose an extreme risk to firefighter safety.  Fire managers, with the use of aerial reconnaissance have been assessing access points while developing a full long term suppression and management strategy.  Today, firefighters will continue tree felling assisted by heavy equipment in areas identified as access points to implement suppression actions. Fire crews will scout and assess heavy equipment line prep on the Graves Creek Road from Forest Service boundary to Vermillion Pass.  Smoke will be visible from these fires and, at times, could be significant.

Summary: All fires are being managed under a full suppression strategy. The fires have been prioritized by the values at risk with public and firefighter safety as the number one priority. Other considerations include minimizing impacts to local communities, private property and structures, timber resources, highway corridors, and recreation improvements.

Nationally, the Northern Rockies area is the highest priority for support due to multiple new large incidents and the historic number of Incident Management Teams assigned. Fire activity is high in many locations across the country and fire resources are limited. To view a summary of fire activity nationally and incident management team assignments please visit https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.pdf.

Weather: Hot, dry, unstable, and breezy conditions are expected today. An isolated thunderstorm is possible (5-10%) around the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire and areas eastward this afternoon with gusty, erratic winds possible. Hot, dry, unstable, and breezy conditions return to the fire area this weekend.

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information:

·         Know before you go! Area, road, and trail closures are issued for areas impacted by fire on the Lolo National Forest.  Closure information is updated on West Lolo Complex InciWeb page.

·         A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Deep Lookout Mountain, Siegal, and Sunset fire areas. If you fly, we can’t.  Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

·         Fire Restrictions are not in effect on the Lolo National Forest. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions. Fire danger remains Very High on the Plains/Thompson Falls & Superior Ranger Districts.  Remember, One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire. 

·         Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WestMontana

·         Evacuation information can be found at:

·         Mineral County at https://www.facebook.com/TheMineralCountySheriffsOffice

·         Missoula County at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice/

·         Sanders County at  https://www.facebook.com/Sanders-County-Montana-Sheriffs-Office-1410792339177631/

West Lobo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 16, 2021

 Contact Information

Information Line: 208-274-9674, 8 AM - 8 PM

Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7620/

Facebook: facebook.com/WestLoloComplex

Twitter: twitter.com/LoloNF

Email:  2021.westlolo@firenet.gov

YouTube:  West Lolo Complex YouTube

Fire Statistics

Cause: Lightning

Total fire acres: 1,845 
Containment: 1 %

Lolo National Forest
Forest Service News Release

Contacts:

Anna Henderson anna.henderson@usda.gov

Kate Jerman, (406) 552-7944, Katelyn.jerman@usda.gov

Scapegoat Wilderness enters into Stage I Fire Restrictions; Stage II Fire Restrictions in effect for all other Lolo National Forests Lands

Missoula, MT, July 16— Due to persistent hot and dry conditions, the increasing threat of wildfire danger, and the current and predicted wildfire activity level, the Lolo National Forest will enter into STAGE II Fire Restrictions with the exception of forest lands within the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Seeley Lake Ranger District. All Lolo National Forest lands within the Scapegoat Wilderness (of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex) will enter into STAGE 1 Fire Restrictions.

“With current fire activity and predicted weather, we all need to do everything we can to prevent additional wildfires from starting,” stated Carolyn Upton, Lolo National Forest Supervisor. “We are asking the public to recreate responsibly and adhere to these restrictions.”

Fire restrictions are intended to decrease the chance of preventable, human–caused fires in the designated areas.

·         Stage II Fire Restrictions will be effective Saturday, July 17 at 12:01 a.m. for all Lolo National Forest lands EXCEPT FOR forest lands within the Scapegoat Wilderness.

·         All Lolo National Forest lands within the Scapegoat Wilderness (Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex), located in Powell and Lewis and Clark Counties on the Seeley Lake Ranger District, will enter STAGE 1 Fire Restrictions effective Saturday, July 17 at 12:01 a.m.

STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Under the Stage II Fire Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited:

1.    Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire.

2.    Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or closed of all flammable materials.

3.    Operating an Internal Combustion Engine.

4.    Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.

EXEMPTIONS

1.    Persons with a Forest Service special use authorization, or other authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. If the authorization allows operation of an Internal Combustion Engine or welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, such acts are prohibited from the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Outside of these hours; a one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of these activities.

2.    Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

3.    Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.

4.    Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails.

5.    Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads conducted in accordance with the Order.

6.    Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

7.    Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

8.    All land within a city boundary is exempted.

*Those with a firewood permit can still use a chainsaw, but must cease operations at 1 p.m. This is allowed

under Exemption #1, “special use authorization.”

STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS: For all Lolo National Forest lands within the Scapegoat Wilderness of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex on the Seeley Lake Ranger District. The following acts are prohibited:

1.    Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire.

2.    Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building; within a developed recreation site or improved site listed in Exhibit A; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

EXEMPTIONS

1.    Persons building and using a campfire or charcoal fire within the confines of a metal or concrete fire ring or grill provided by the Forest Service for that purpose within a developed recreation site or improved site. Fires within rock fire rings are not authorized and are not exempted from this Order.

2.    Persons using a stove fire with spark arrestor within the boundaries of the Scapegoat Wilderness (within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex).

3.    Persons using a stove or grill solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels that can be turned on and off, if used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding materials within three feet of the device.

4.    Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

5.    Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity. With the extreme temperatures the region is experiencing, fire managers are asking the public to be extra cautious when spending time in the outdoors. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo or call your local Lolo National Forest office.

For Fire Restrictions Information in your area visit: https://www.mtfireinfo.org/.

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.