RESOLUTION NO. 7-16-21 MINERAL COUNTY

STAGE TWO (2) FIRE RESTRICTIONS

WHEREAS high temperatures and low precipitation have occurred within Mineral County during the month of July, 2021 resulting in dry fuel conditions, poor soil moisture conditions, and low water supplies, which has contributed to EXTREME wildland fire danger;

And

WHEREAS the Mineral County Board of Commissioners declares that all the private land not under the jurisdiction of the municipalities or state or federal agencies shall be denoted as "high fire hazards area" And

WHEREAS there is a lack of available resources due to large fires in the Northwestern United States;

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Mineral County Board of Commissioners that Stage Two Fir Restrictions are in effect for all private lands in Mineral County, due to EXTREME wildland fire danger.

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED THAT;

The Following Acts are Prohibited Until Further Notice:

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

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 cleared of all flammable materials.

3.      The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.:

a.      Operating any internal combustion engine.

b.      Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

c.      Use of an explosive device.

(A one hour foot patrol in the work area is required following the cessation of all activities as identified in #3 above.)

4.      Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Stage H Exceptions:

1.      Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

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 (3) 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 a motorized vehicle on designated roads and trails.

5.      Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads, as per attached conditions.

6.      Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activities are specially 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.

Exemption:

1.    All land within a city boundary

2.       Any and all exemptions unique to an agency/tribe.

Penalties For Violations:

•         An individuai found to be in vioiation may be fined up to $5,000.00 or $10,000.00 for an organization, and imprisonment for up to six (6) months.

•        An individual, entity, or organization may be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if it is determined the individual, entity or organization initiated a fire.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this resolution becomes effective at 00:0lam (Midnight) on Saturday July 17th, 2021 and shall remain in effect until such time as it may be amended or rescinded by the Mineral County Board of Commissioners.

Adopted this 16th day of July, 2021by the Board of County Commissioners- Mineral County,

By: Roman Zylawy, Presiding Officer
 
By: Laurie Johnston, Commissioner 
 
By: Duane Simons, Commissioner 

2021 MISSOULA COUNTY AMENDED STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTION

EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION RESOLUTION NO. 2021-085

WHEREAS, pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 7-33-2205, the Board of County Commissioners is authorized to establish fire seasons annually;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Code of Federal Regulation Title 36 §261.50 and §261.52 prohibitions may be designated by order;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Montana Code Annotated §§ 7-33-2205(3) & 50-63-103, a person who ignites a fire in violation of the fire season restrictions shall reimburse for any fire suppression needed or damage caused;

WHEREAS, dry and extreme fire conditions are occurring and predicted to continue for the foreseeable future in Missoula County;

WHEREAS, wildland fires have occurred in the County in recently, are continuing to occur, and will occur;

WHEREAS, the wildland fire danger in Missoula County is now rated Extreme;

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners signed an emergency proclamation stating that a wildland fire emergency exists in Missoula County on July 13, 2021;

WHEREAS, in accordance with the 2020-2022 Restrictions and Closures Procedures for the Northern Rockies Coordinating Group, County, State, federal, and tribal cooperators will impose Stage II Fire Restrictions effective at 00:01 AM on July 17, 2021.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Missoula County Board of County Commissioners that Stage II Fire Restrictions are imposed effective 00:01 AM on July 17, 2021, and will remain in place on all private land in Missoula County until lifted. These restrictions do not include land within the City limits of Missoula. The City of Missoula may impose fire restrictions that will apply to City lands.

The restrictions imposed by this Resolution include the following:

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

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 cleared of all flammable materials.

3.          The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.:

a.      Operating any internal combustion engine off designated roads.

b.      Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

c.       Using an explosive

A one-hour foot patrol is required following the cessation of these activities.

4.          Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails, except for persons engaged in official business including the functions of governmental agencies and the activities of utilities, cooperatives, and telecommunications providers to operate, construct, repair, and maintain utility facilities that are essential to the public. Fire extinguishers and fire tools are required during such operations.

The aforementioned restrictions are subject to the following exemptions, which do not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity:

1.      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 3 feet of the device.

2.      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 3 feet of the generator.

3.      Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads.

4.      Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads.

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

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

7.      Welding, use of acetylene, cutting torches with open flame, or other industrial activities that are conducted in an enclosed building.

8.      Agricultural activity in non-forested areas and unrelated to forest harvest

9.      Land within the City of Missoula is exempt from Stage II restrictions imposed by this resolution; the City of Missoula may impose specific restrictions to City owned lands.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Missoula County will remain in Stage II Fire Restrictions until the earlier of (1) rescission of this Resolution by the Missoula County Board of County Commissioners or (2) lifting of Stage II Restrictions by the State of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Southwest Land Office, which shall automatically and immediately lift Missoula County’s Stage II Restrictions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that violation of these restrictions is a misdemeanor offense and a person who purposely ignites a fire in violation of these restrictions shall reimburse the county governing body or recognized protection agency for costs incurred for any fire suppression activities resulting from the illegal fire and may be liable for other civil damages.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 7- 5-104, a second reading of this ordinance is waived due to the emergency conditions existing in Missoula County and it shall become effective on passage and approval and remain in effect for no more than 90 days.

DATED THIS 15TH OF JULY, 2021

Board of County Commissioners, Missoula County

For more information see https://mcfpa.org/fire_danger.htm

West Lolo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 17, 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

Date of Origin: 07/6/2021

Cause: Lightning

Total fire acres: 1,914 

Containment: 8 %


 A Community Meeting will be held Sunday, July 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ninemile Ranger District, located at 20325 Remount Road in Huson, Montana. 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 great progress containing several fires initially assigned to the West Lolo Complex. To date, seven fires have been contained and command of those fires was returned to the local ranger districts for patrol by local personnel. Those fires include: Sunset, Cataract, Deep Creek, Upper Graves Creek, Quinn, Sheep Creek and Thompson.  Resources from these contained fires are re-assigned to fires that have been prioritized by their threats to values at risk. Currently, firefighters are focusing their efforts on completing containment lines on Deep Lookout Mountain Fire and securing the fire’s perimeter. As portions of line are contained on the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire resources are re-assigned to the Thorne Creek Fire, especially those involved in scouting, working with heavy equipment, and long-term planning.

Superior Ranger District:

Deep Lookout Mountain Fire: 365 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

Yesterday, Deep Lookout Mountain Fire grew minimally due to solid suppression efforts by firefighters.    Resources completed containment line around the spot fire north of the South Fork of the Deep Creek. Smoke and light winds over the area yesterday moderated fire behavior, allowing fire crews to gain containment of the southern portion of the fire.  Today, aircraft will support line construction as firefighters focus suppression efforts on establishing hand line around the north portion of the fire.  Fire crews will hold and secure containment lines around the spot fires.

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District:

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

The Siegel Fire is holding at 20 acres. Fire crews will continue to mop-up and patrol established control lines. It will be handed back to the district and remain in patrol status tomorrow.  This will be the last report for the Siegel Fire unless significant activity occurs.

Thorne Creek Fire:  1,529 acres, located North East of Thompson Falls

Today, heavy equipment will continue with line prep along Bark Table Road to Priscila Peak and Thompson River Road, and from Bark Table Road to Hwy 200.  Fire Managers are closely coordinating with private landowners and cooperators for line construction placement and access points. The Thorne Creek Fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy. Its location in the Cube Iron/Silcox area poses an extreme risk to firefighter safety. Fire managers conduct daily aerial and ground reconnaissance to locate key access points and assess indirect strategies that can be taken in the steep, rugged terrain.

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:  Smoke could impact weather today. Very poor relative humidity recovery is expected overnight Saturday. Hot, dry, and unstable conditions will return Sunday afternoon, with smoke potential yielding uncertainty regarding critical fire weather potential.

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information:

·         Lolo National Forest is implementing STAGE II Fire Restrictions effective July 17, 2021. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.

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

·         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 and Siegal fire areas. If you fly, we can’t.  Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

·         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 Lolo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 18, 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: 2,075               

Containment: 8 %

A Community Meeting will be held today, July 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ninemile Ranger District, located at 20325 Remount Road in Huson, Montana. 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 great progress containing several fires initially assigned to the West Lolo Complex. To date, six fires have been contained and command of those fires returned to the local ranger districts for patrol by local personnel. Those fires include: Sunset, Cataract, Deep Creek, Upper Graves Creek, Quinn, Sheep Creek and Thompson.  The Siegel Fire will be handed back to the district today and patrolled by local resources.  Resources from these contained fires have been re-assigned to fires prioritized by their threats to values at risk. Currently, firefighters are focusing their efforts on completing containment lines on Deep Lookout Mountain Fire and securing the fire’s perimeter. As portions of line are contained on the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire, resources are re-assigned to the Thorne Creek Fire, especially those involved in scouting, working with heavy equipment, and long-term planning.

Superior Ranger District:

Deep Lookout Mountain Fire: 365 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

Yesterday firefighters secured the southern portion of the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire, putting it at 35% containment.  Control lines will be tested today by hot, dry, windy conditions.  An increase in fire activity is expected as gusty winds and higher temperatures are predicted over the area. Smoke across the area may keep temperatures cooler than forecast, relative humidity higher, and reduce the wind gust potential. Crews will continue constructing fire line around the perimeter of the fire and securing the spot fires north of the South Fork.  Air resources will aid firefighters in completing containment lines by cooling the fires edge and reducing the potential for spotting outside of containment lines.  

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District:

Thorne Creek Fire: 1,690 acres, located North East of Thompson Falls

Minimal growth was observed along the west and south sides of the Thorne Creek Fire yesterday.  The fire will continue to slowly spread down the Thorne Creek drainage.  Today, heavy equipment will continue with line preparation along Bark Table Road to Priscila Peak and Thompson River Road, and from Bark Table Road to Hwy 200.  The Thorne Creek Fire is being managed as a full suppression fire but due to its location in the steep, rugged terrain of the Cube Iron/Silcox area, the Thorne Creek Fire poses an extreme risk to firefighter safety. Long-term management utilizing indirect strategies and close coordination with private landowners and cooperators for line construction placement and access points is underway.

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: Expect today’s fire weather potential to be the highest of the past few days. Very warm temperatures, breezy winds, and smoke potential are the primary weather concerns and will cause unstable conditions across the landscape. Areas where the smoke is thinner could expect to see gusts up to 20 mph, with potential for an occasional gust up to 25 mph.

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information:

·         Lolo National Forest has implemented STAGE II Fire Restrictions, effective July 17, 2021. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.

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

·         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 fire.  If you fly, we can’t.  Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

·         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 Sunday, July 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ninemile Ranger Station, located at 20325 Remount Road in Huson, Montana. 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.

Red Flag Warning issued July 19 at 3:39AM MDT until July 19 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* Affected area:

Fire Zone 103 (Clearwater/Nez Perce).

Fire Zone 106 (West Lolo).

Fire Zone 108 (East Lolo).

Fire Zone 109 (Bitterroot).

* Impacts: Gusty and erratic outflows developing from high based

   scattered thunderstorms and frequent lightning.

* Thunderstorms: Mainly dry, with some rain under the cores.

* Outflow Winds: 35-50 mph. 
 
 A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.    

West Lolo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 19, 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: 2,055               

Containment: 8 %

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning today, from noon until 9 pm.  The combination of gusty and erratic winds developing from scattered thunderstorms and frequent lightning will produce critical fire weather conditions.

Firefighters have made great progress containing several fires initially assigned to the West Lolo Complex. To date, eight fires have been contained and command of those fires returned to the local ranger districts for patrol by local personnel. Those fires include Siegel, Sunset, Cataract, Deep Creek, Upper Graves Creek, Quinn, Sheep Creek and Thompson.  Resources from these contained fires have been re-assigned to fires prioritized by their threats to values at risk. Currently, firefighters are focusing their efforts on completing containment lines on Deep Lookout Mountain Fire and securing the fire’s perimeter. As portions of line are contained on the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire, resources are re-assigned to the Thorne Creek Fire, especially those involved in scouting, working with heavy equipment, and long-term planning.

Superior Ranger District:

Deep Lookout Mountain Fire: 365 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

Yesterday the combination of suppression efforts and smoke impacts minimized fire behavior and growth on the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire. Containment has increased to 43%.  Firefighters improved containment lines around the fire’s perimeter and the spot fires north of the South Fork.  Minimal fire behavior is expected today.  The forecast for strong winds of 35-50 mph associated with dry thunderstorms could push out smoke that has previously shaded the fire area, leading to increased fire behavior in isolated pockets of unburned fuel. Additional smoke may be visible. Along the fire’s perimeter, fire crews and heavy equipment will continue to hold and mop-up increasing depth of containment lines.

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District:

Thorne Creek Fire: 1,690 acres, located North East of Thompson Falls

Yesterday, heavy equipment continued with line preparation along Bark Table Road to Priscilla Peak and Thompson River Road, and from Bark Table Road to Hwy 200.  Today, firefighters will utilize heavy equipment to construct indirect control lines from Weber Gulch Trailhead to the Thompson River Road.   The Thorne Creek Fire is being managed as a full suppression fire but due to its location in the steep, rugged terrain of the Cube Iron/Silcox area, the Thorne Creek Fire poses an extreme risk to firefighter safety. Long-term management utilizing indirect strategies and close coordination with private landowners and cooperators for line construction placement and access points is underway.

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: Isolated dry thunderstorms producing 35-50 mph winds are possible today. Chances will increase as the day progresses and coverage is expected to be spotty across the Lolo National Forest. The chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms will continue into the evening.

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information:

·         Lolo National Forest has implemented STAGE II Fire Restrictions, effective July 17, 2021. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.

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

·         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 fire.  If you fly, we can’t.  Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

·         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 Lolo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 20, 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: 2,408               

Containment: 16 %

A Community Meeting will be held Wednesday, July 21, at 6:00 p.m. at the Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department, located at 1811 W Main Street Thompson Falls, Montana. 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.

Many fires initially assigned in the West Lolo Complex have been contained due to the hard work of firefighters on the ground. To date, eight fires have been contained and command of those fires returned to the local ranger districts for patrol by local personnel. Those fires include Siegel, Sunset, Cataract, Deep Creek, Upper Graves Creek, Quinn, Sheep Creek and Thompson.  Resources from these contained fires have been re-assigned to fires prioritized by their threats to values at risk. Currently, firefighters are focusing their efforts on completing containment lines on Deep Lookout Mountain Fire and securing the fire’s perimeter. As portions of line are contained on the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire, resources are re-assigned to the Thorne Creek Fire, especially those involved in scouting, working with heavy equipment, and long-term planning.

Superior Ranger District:

Deep Lookout Mountain Fire: 365 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

Minimal fire behavior was observed yesterday on the Deep Lookout Mountain Fire as containment lines were tested by winds. Brief periods of increased fire activity in isolated pockets of unburned fuel within the fire’s perimeter could result from strong winds and isolated thunderstorms today.  Firefighters will continue building depth with mop-up operations along the fire’s perimeter to strengthen containment lines. Additional resources will be shifted to the Thorne Creek Fire as containment is completed. 

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District:

Thorne Creek Fire: 2,043 acres, located North East of Thompson Falls

Yesterday the Thorne Creek Fire slowly spread west down the Thorne Creek and Winniemuck drainages.  Today’s weather forecast may temporarily push the fire in multiple directions. If smoke begins to clear out, winds will be strong enough to increase fire behavior across the fire area.  Single and group tree torching may occur.  If the winds do not develop, moderate fire behavior is likely and will continue backing on the north slopes of Winniemuck Creek and the drainage to the west. Heavy equipment made good progress with line preparation along Bark Table Road to Priscilla Peak and Thompson River Road, and from Bark Table Road to Hwy 200.  Firefighters will continue utilizing heavy equipment to construct indirect control lines from Weber Gulch Trailhead to the Thompson River Road. Resources will look for indirect line opportunities to the North near Upper Graves Creek Road to Sundance Ridge. The Thorne Creek Fire is being managed as a full suppression fire but due to its location in the steep, rugged terrain of the Cube Iron/Silcox area, the Thorne Creek Fire poses an extreme risk to firefighter safety. Long-term management utilizing indirect strategies and close coordination with private landowners and cooperators for line construction placement and access points is underway.

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: Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected today.  Brief, heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty, erratic winds are possible. Cloud cover and smoke will keep temperatures near

normal. Expect wetter storms tonight through Wednesday, although precipitation may be spotty and isolated. Warmer, drier, and more unstable conditions return by late week.

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information:

·         Lolo National Forest has implemented STAGE II Fire Restrictions, effective July 17, 2021. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.

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

·         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 fire.  If you fly, we can’t.  Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

·         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 Wednesday, July 21, at 6:00 p.m. at the Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department, located at 1811 W Main Street Thompson Falls, Montana. 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.

West Lolo Complex

Lolo National Forest

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

July 21, 2021

  

Contact Information

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

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: 2,408       Containment: 18%

  

A Community Meeting will be held tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department, 1811 West Main Street. 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.

Summary: Eight fires initially in the West Lolo Complex have been contained due to the hard work by firefighters on the ground. These fires have been contained and command of those fires was returned to the local ranger districts for patrol by local personnel. Those fires include Cataract, Deep Creek, Quinn, Sheep Creek, Siegel, Sunset, Upper Graves Creek, and Thompson. The Deep Lookout Mountain and the Thorne Creek fires are being managed under a full suppression strategy 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.

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District

Thorne Creek Fire: 2,043 acres and 0% contained, located northeast of Thompson Falls. It is in steep, rugged terrain in the Cube Iron/Silcox area, and poses an extreme risk to firefighter safety. Heavy equipment and hand crews made good progress with line preparation along Bark Table Road to Priscilla Peak and Thompson River Road, and from Bark Table Road to Hwy 200. Firefighters will continue utilizing heavy equipment and hand crews to construct indirect control lines from Weber Gulch Trailhead to the Thompson River Road. Resources will look for indirect line opportunities to the north near Upper Graves Creek Road to Sundance Ridge. Long-term management utilizing indirect strategies and close coordination with private landowners and cooperators for line construction placement and access points is underway.

Superior Ranger District

Deep Lookout Mountain Fire: 365 acres and 77% contained, located in the upper reaches of the Deep Creek Drainage, north of I-90, 12 miles east of Superior, five miles west of Stark Mountain Lookout. Firefighters will continue reinforcing and securing containment lines and mopping up today. As crews complete suppression activities and resources are no longer needed, they will be shifted to the Thorne Creek Fire.

Weather: The chance for thunderstorms and isolated showers is possible this afternoon. The main concern is elevated fire weather potential Thursday into the weekend with gusty winds, low relative humidity, and more unstable conditions.

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information:

·         Lolo National Forest has implemented STAGE 2 Fire Restrictions, effective July 17, 2021. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about local fire restrictions.

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

·         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 fire. If you fly, we can’t. Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

·         Evacuation information can be found at:

·         Mineral County: www.facebook.com/TheMineralCountySheriffsOffice

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

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