Lobo Mesa Fire Update September 15, 2020

Lobo Mesa Fire update, September, 15, 2020

Ennis, MT  September 15, 2020- The Lobo Mesa Fire started September 12, 2020 at approximately 11:00 a.m. between Cascade Mountain and Lobo Mesa in the southern Gravelly Mountains, in the head of the Cascade Drainage. The fire is approximately 60 acres and burning in a very remote area with poor access for firefighters.

Today fire activity was low to moderate through the afternoon with isolated single and group-tree torching.  Most of the growth and activity was on the north and west flanks. Fire crews continued to monitor fire spread and communicate safety information to hunters and recreationists in the area. Ground personnel directed bucket drops from helicopters. Other aerial support was also used. 

Fire officials established more management action points (MAPS), which are identified landmark triggers. When fire crosses these designated points, pre-planned actions are implemented. The first MAP is if the fire reaches Hell Roaring Creek, which will also trigger a fire area closure to assure firefighters, visitors, hunters and recreationalist safety.  Current and predicted fire behavior will dictate the size of the closure area. Again, hunters are asked to extinguish warming fires due to the high fire danger in the area.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and the fuels are mixed conifer with large numbers of beetle killed timber, compounded with a moderate amount of dead and down trees. There are no structures threatened.