Order Number: # 01-10-06-22-09

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Flathead National Forest

Hungry Horse Ranger District

Area Closure

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, trails in the Hungry Horse Ranger District, Flathead National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (Margaret Fire Closure):

1. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e). It is prohibited to go into the area or be upon any road or trail closed for the protection of: Public health or safety.

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA/ROADS/TRAILS

Beginning at the northwest corner of Section 7, Township 27 North, Range 117 West, the closure area boundary follows the north edge of section 7 to the east to the intersection with Forest System Road (FSR) # 895 (West Side Reservoir Road). From that intersection, the closure follows the southern edge of FSR # 895 to the east to the intersection with FSR # 895E. From that intersection, the closure extends to the south along the western edge of FSR # 895 to the intersection with FSR # 895F. From that intersection, the closure follows the northern edge of FSR # 895F to the west to the intersection with the western edge of Section 25, Township 27 North, Range 118 West.

From that intersection, the closure follows the section line boundary to the north to the intersection with the divide between Baker Creek and Jones Creek. From that intersection, the closure extends to the northeast along said divide to the intersection with the west edge of Section 7, Township 27 North, Range 117 West. From that intersection, the closure follows the section line to the north to the section corner, the beginning point.

Road and Trail closures: FSR # 895E and NFS Trail # 410 are closed to all traffic. FSR Roads # 895 and 895F remain open.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public and firefighter safety due to fire activities on the Margaret Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from September 9, 2022, at 1700 through December 31, 2022, at 1700, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://fs.usda.gov/alerts/flathead/alerts-notices .

3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.

4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.

• § 3559, 3571, and 3581.

5. Contact the Hungry Horse Ranger District in Hungry Horse, MT, (406) 387-3800, or the Flathead National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Kalispell, MT, (406) 758- 5208, for more information about this Order.

6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on .

Kurtis E. Steele Forest Supervisor

Flathead National Forest

  Start Date: 8/29/2022    
  Cause: Lightning                                    
  Total Personnel: 140                          
  Engines: 2
  Helicopters: 2                           
  Crews: 6                                                   
  Heavy Equipment: 6                            
 
Blodgett Lake:                  2185 acres.
Mill Lake:                           1608 acres. 
Big Creek:                           265 acres.
Bear Cree  :                        153 acres.
Kootenai Creek:                 0.5 acres.

Summary: 

Northern Rockies Team One has responsibility for the five fires listed above. Today, crews will scout the area, continue with line preparation, and fire managers will work on a long-term plan for this incident. This planning effort will include fuel removal and alternate line locations between Blodgett and Kootenai canyons.

Recent winds improved air quality and allowed the use of aviation resources for aerial reconnaissance. These flights revealed that the fires have not grown eastward down the canyons since the Monday, September 12.

Today, roads and trails will be prepped as a control line to keep the fire west of road #430. Crews continued constructing a thirty-foot-wide shaded fuel break on the west side of Sheafman Road (FS-438) from Cow Creek trailhead to Sheafman trailhead. Firefighters will build a hand line from the south end of road #1327 to the rock cliff face above Fred Burr Creek. Crews will continue work on indirect control lines along the Forest Service - Private Property boundary from Mill Creek south to Blodgett Canyon, utilizing heavy equipment. Firefighters will continue to scout for strategic line locations and control features that could slow the fire's spread east towards private and DNRC lands. A structure protection group will coordinate with Fire Departments to scout structures adjacent to Forest Service land east of Big Creek, Bear Lake, and Blodgett Lake fires.

The Blodgett Fire is now estimated at 2185 acres. The fire has crossed Blodgett Creek along the east flank and is smoldering in down and dead fuels. Recent moisture and cooler temperatures should result in limited fire behavior today.
 
The Forest has implemented additional trail closures across the fire area. Refer to the Bitterroot National Forest website for details https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot

Weather:

Expect cooler conditions today with a slight chance of chance of showers this afternoon. West winds of 10 mph at around 3:00 p.m. will improve the smoke conditions.

Contact Information:  Phone:  406-426-9612 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Email: 2022.blodgettlake@firenet.gov 

Start Date: 8/29/2022               
Cause: Lightning                                    
Total Personnel: 110                          
Engines: 2
Helicopters: 2                            
Crews: 2                                                     
Heavy Equipment: 6                        

 Blodgett Lake:                   1882 acres.
 Mill Lake:                             1608 acres.
 Big Creek:                             265 acres.
 Bear Creek:                           153 acres.
 Kootenai Creek:                    0.5 acres.

Summary: 

Northern Rockies Team One has responsibility for the five fires listed above. Today crews will scout the area, continue with line preparation, and fire managers will work on a long-term plan for this incident. This planning effort will include fuel removal and alternate line locations between Blodgett and Kootenai canyons.

The Mill Creek and other drainages continue to be filled with heavy smoke, hampering aerial reconnaissance. Crews constructed a thirty-foot-wide shaded fuel break on the west side of Sheafman Road (FS-438) from Cow Creek trailhead to Sheafman trailhead. Crews will scout opportunities for control lines north to Fred Burr Creek. Crews continue working on indirect control lines along the Forest Service Private Property boundary from Mill Creek south to Blodgett Canyon, utilizing heavy equipment. Firefighters will continue to scout for strategic line locations and control features that could check/slow the fire's spread east towards private and DNRC lands.

A structure protection group will coordinate with Fire Departments to scout structures adjacent to Forest Service land east of Big Creek, Bear Lake, and Blodgett Lake fires.

The Blodgett Fire is now estimated at 1882 acres, and this estimate will improve when conditions allow for an infrared fire mapping flight. The fire has crossed Blodgett Creek along the east flank and is smoldering in down and dead fuels. Recent moisture and cooler temperatures have slowed fire progression.

The Forest has implemented additional trail closures across the fire area. Refer to the Bitterroot National Forest website for details https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot

Weather:

A slow-moving thunderstorm today will track over the fire area. Showers will likely start this afternoon, with the heaviest precipitation expected after 7 pm. There is a 40% chance of receiving 0.25 inches or more of rain on the fire.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Specific closure information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392/. 

Trail Closures:

1.         Mill Creek, National Forest System Trail #364 from trailhead origin (T6N, R21W, Sect.4)   to its intersection with Fred Burr Trail #38.

2.         Cow Creek, National Forest System Trail #3 from trailhead origin (T7N, R21W Sect.33) to the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364.

3.         Hauf Lake, National Forest System Trail #309 from the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364 (T7N R22W Sect. 35) to Hauf Lake (T6N, R22W Sect. 10, 11).

4.         Sears Lake, National Forest System Trail #312 from the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364 (T7N R22W Sect. 32) to Sears Lake (T6N R 22W Sect.5).

5.         Sheafman Creek, National Forest System Trail #82 from trailhead origin (T7N R22WSect. 29) to Aichelee Lake (T7N R22W Sect. 29).

6.         A section of Fred Burr, National Forest System Trail #38, from the west end of Fred Burr Reservoir (Township 7N, Range 21W, SE quartersection of Section 15) to its intersection with Mill Creek Trail #364.

7.         Big Creek, National Forest System Trail #11, from trailhead origin (T8N R21W Sect.10)   to the endpoint of Pack Box Pass (T8N R22W Sect. 18).

8.         South Fork Big Creek, National Forest Trail #118, from intersection of Big Creek Trail #11 (T9N R22W Sect.34) to South Fork Lake (T8N R22W Sect. 17).

9.         Blodgett Creek, National Forest Trail # 19, from trailhead origin (T6N R21W Sect.20) to Blodgett Pass (T6N R23W Sect.14), and Blodgett Lake (T6N R23W Sect. 27).

10.       High Lake, National Forest Trail #303, from intersection of Blodgett Creek Trail #19 (T6N 22W Sect.16) to High Lake (T6N R22W Sect.20,21,28,29).

11.       South Fork Bear Creek, National Forest Trail #304, from intersection of Bear Creek Trail #5 (T7N R22W Sect. 2) to South Bear Lake (T7N R23W PB38, PB39).

Road Closures:

1.         Cow Creek, National Forest System Road #438, The road system starting at the gate at the Bitterroot NF boundary, heading west to its end  (T7N, R21W Section 33)

2.         Mill Creek, National Forest System Road #1328, the road system starting at Forest Service Property Boundary, 1/2 mile west of Bowman Rd, heading west to its end. (T6N, R21W, Sect. 3)

Road Closures:

Blodgett Canyon National Forest Campground, the developed campground including all campground sites and day use area. (T6N, R21W, Sect.17)

Fire Restrictions:

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on all Bitterroot National Forest lands in Montana. See mtfireinfo.org for more specific restrictions information.

InciWeb:  Mill Lake Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392/

Bitterroot National Forest Website:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot

Air Quality: https://fire.airnow.gov/

 West Bitterroot Emergency Roads, Trails, and Campground Closure  Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads and trails within the Stevensville Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest, Ravalli County, Montana described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area” and “Described Trails”): PROHIBITIONS
1. Being on the Described Trails, 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a). It is prohibited to be on the roads and trails listed below.2. Being on the Described Roads, 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e). It is prohibited to be on the roads and trails listed below.3. Entering or using a developed recreation site or portion thereof, 36 C.F.R 261.58(b).  It is prohibited to be in the campground listed below. 
 EXEMPTIONS Pursuant to Title 36 C.F.R § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1).2. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in performance of an official duty. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(4) 
CLOSED TRAILS 
1. Mill Creek, National Forest System Trail #364 from trailhead origin (T6N, R21W, Sect.4) to its intersection with Fred Burr Trail #38.2. Cow Creek, National Forest System Trail #3 from trailhead origin (T7N, R21W Sect.33) to the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364.3. Hauf Lake, National Forest System Trail #309 from the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364 (T7N R22W Sect. 35) to Hauf Lake (T6N, R22W Sect. 10, 11).4. Sears Lake, National Forest System Trail #312 from the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364 (T7N R22W Sect. 32) to Sears Lake (T6N R 22W Sect.5).5. Sheafman Creek, National Forest System Trail #82 from trailhead origin (T7N R22W 
6. A section of Fred Burr, National Forest System Trail #38, from the west end of Fred Burr Reservoir (Township 7N, Range 21W, SE quartersection of Section 15) to its intersection with Mill Creek Trail #364.7. Big Creek, National Forest System Trail #11, from trailhead origin (T8N R21W Sect.8. South Fork Big Creek, National Forest Trail #118, from intersection of Big Creek Trail #11 (T9N R22W Sect.34) to South Fork Lake (T8N R22W Sect. 17).9. Blodgett Creek, National Forest Trail # 19, from trailhead origin (T6N R21W Sect.20) to Blodgett Pass (T6N R23W Sect.14), and Blodgett Lake (T6N R23W Sect. 27).10. High Lake, National Forest Trail #303, from intersection of Blodgett Creek Trail #19 (T6N 22W Sect.16) to High Lake (T6N R22W Sect.20,21,28,29).11. South Fork Bear Creek, National Forest Trail #304, from intersection of Bear Creek Trail #5 (T7N R22W Sect. 2) to South Bear Lake (T7N R23W PB38, PB39). 
CLOSED ROADS 
1. Cow Creek, National Forest System Road #438, The road system starting at the gate at the Bitterroot NF boundary, heading west to its end  (T7N, R21W Section 33)2. Mill Creek, National Forest System Road #1328, the road system starting at Forest Service Property Boundary, 1/2 mile west of Bowman Rd, heading west to its end. (T6N, R21W, Sect. 3) 
CLOSED CAMPGROUND 
1. Blodgett Canyon National Forest Campground, the developed campground including all campground sites and day use area. (T6N, R21W, Sect.17)
PURPOSE The purpose of this order is for public health and safety due to fire activity from the Mill Lake Fire, Blodgett Lake Fire, Big Creek Fire, and Bear Creek Fire and related suppression activities.
IMPLEMENTATION  
1. This Order will be in effect from September 9th, 2022 and will remain in effect, until fire conditions subside, and this order is rescinded, but no later than December 31st, 2022.2. A map identifying the closed roads, trails, and campground is attached and made part of this Order.3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, 
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.5. Contact the Stevensville Ranger District, (406) 777-5461, and Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton, MT, (406) 363-7100, for more information about this Order.6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Road and Trails.

Signed and issued on September 12th, 2022 _______________________ Forest Supervisor Bitterroot National Forest   

 

Northern Rockies Team 1, Doug Turman Incident Commander, assumed command of the fire today at 6 a.m. 

Updated Contact Information:  Phone:  406-426-9612 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Email: 2022.blodgettlake@firenet.gov

Start Date: 8/29/2022                Cause: Lightning                                     Total Personnel: 90                             Engines: 4

Helicopters: as available            Crews: 2                                                 Heavy Equipment: 2                            

 Blodgett Lake: 1882 acres
 Mill Lake: 1608 acres
 Big Creek: 265 acres
 Bear Creek: 153 acres
 Kootenai Creek: 0.5 acres

Summary: 

Northern Rockies team One has responsibility for the five fires listed above. Today crews will scout the area, continue with line preparation, and fire managers will begin work on a long-term plan for this incident. This planning effort will include fuel removal and alternate line locations between Blodgett and Kootenai canyons.

Smokey conditions limited the use of air resources yesterday. Work to reduce fuel loads is progressing along Sheafman road (FSR 438) from Cow Creek Trailhead along private land to and around Mill Creek Trailhead. 

The Mill Creek and other drainages continue to be filled with heavy smoke, limiting aerial reconnaissance. A few small spots are burning west of the main fire above Mill Lake. Fuels are sparse, and the fire is smoldering and creeping, finding pockets of trees where occasional single tree torching occurs. There is little fire movement east, down the canyon.

The Blodgett Fire is now estimated at 1882 acres, and this estimate will improve when conditions allow for an infrared fire mapping flight. The fire has crossed the main Blodgett Creek along the east flank, where it is smoldering in down and dead fuels. Recent moisture and cooler temperatures have slowed fire progression.

The Forest has implemented trail closures across the fire area. Refer to the Bitterroot National Forest website for details https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot

Weather: The moisture from yesterday has moderated fire behavior. If the smoke clears later today, there is a potential for afternoon thunderstorms. 

    CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Specific closure information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392/. 

Trail Closures:

1.      Mill Creek, National Forest System (NFS) Trail #364 from trailhead origin to its intersection with Fred Burr Trail #38.

2.      Cow Creek, NFS Trail #3 from trailhead origin to the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364.

3.      Hauf Lake, NFS Trail #309 from intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364 to Hauf Lake.

4.      Sears Lake, NFS Trail #312 from the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364 to Sears Lake.

5.      Sheafman Creek, NFS Trail #82 from trailhead origin to Aichelee Lake.

6.      A section of Fred Burr NFS Trail #38, from the west end of Fred Burr Reservoir to its intersection with Mill Creek Trail #364.

Road Closures

1.      Cow Creek, NFS Road #438, uphill of the gate at the Bitterroot NF boundary line.

Fire Restrictions:

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on all Bitterroot National Forest lands in Montana. See mtfireinfo.org for more specific restrictions information.

InciWeb:  Mill Lake Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392/

Bitterroot National Forest Website:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot

Air Quality: https://fire.airnow.gov/

September 12, 2022

Mill Lake / Blodgett Lake Fire Daily Update

Fire Information: (406)210-0070 daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Email: 2022.milllake@firenet.gov

Bitterroot National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF

Mill Lake Fire 1,608 Acres

7 miles West of Pinesdale, MT

Burning in timber, litter and understory with down heavy fuels and understory torching

Blodgett Lake Fire  

1,200 Acres

11 miles West of Hamilton, MT

Burning in timber, litter and understory with large snags and blow down along creek bottom

Start Date: 8/29/2022

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 50

Engines: 4

Helicopters: as available

CURRENT STATUS

Crews: 2

Heavy Equipment: 2

The Mill Creek drainage continues to be filled with heavy smoke, limiting fire staff with viewing the fire perimeter via aircraft. The fire area is estimated around 1,608 acres and had minimal growth yesterday. A few small spots to the west of the main fire above Mill Lake are burning in the rocks and in a small band of timber with smoldering and creeping. The main fire is currently smoldering and creeping in the down and dead. There is little to no movement to the east (down canyon) from the last report. Fire was flown briefly yesterday before winds and smoke obstructed fire viewpoints.

Directly south of the Mill Lake fire, is the Blodgett Lake fire which exhibited extreme fire behavior yesterday and is now estimated at 1,200 acres in size. Late afternoon aircraft observed extreme crowning and spotting occurred at least a quarter of a mile ahead of the main fire front. Fuels and slope are driving dead, down and cured shrubs. The fire has crossed the main Blodgett Creek on the east flank of the fire and is smoldering in the down and deal fuels, with isolated pockets of open flames on the south and west flanks. The fire remains active. Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire this past week. These will continue today as resources become available and as air quality allows.

The forest is working on expanding trail closures in the Blodgett Creek area, so please visit our forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot, or check back on Facebook for updated trail closure information. For updated information on the Mill Lake Fire (staff for the Mill Lake Fire are also managing the Blodgett Lake fire), please visit Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392/

A Type I incident management team has been ordered for the Mill Lake and Blodgett Lake fires. Jay Wood and Scott Suko’s Type 3 team will continue to manage the fires in the interim.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Monday weather: Conditions today continue to be hot and dry. High temperatures and low relative humidity are expected over the fire area. West winds are forecasted. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for lower temperatures and higher relative humidity, with a slight chance of scattered showers.

Fire Behavior: Fire was active yesterday with uphill runs, flanking, and torching. Crown fire was observed on the Blodgett Lake fire with upslope runs. Both fires will continue to burn in the dead and down fuels that are very dry. Fires will spread upslope the steep canyon slopes and down drainage with increased winds. Fires will stay active throughout the night due to hot and dry conditions.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES 

Blodgett Trail and Campground is now closed for public safety.  Specific closure information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392/.

Trail Closures:

1.     Mill Creek, National Forest System (NFS) Trail #364 from trailhead origin to its intersection with Fred Burr Trail #38.

2.     Cow Creek, NFS Trail #3 from trailhead origin to the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364.

3.     Hauf Lake, NFS Trail #309 from intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364 to Hauf Lake.

4.     Sears Lake, NFS Trail #312 from the intersection of Mill Creek Trail #364 to Sears Lake.

5.     Sheafman Creek, NFS Trail #82 from trailhead origin to Aichelee Lake.

6.     A section of Fred Burr NFS Trail #38, from the west end of Fred Burr Reservoir to its intersection with Mill Creek Trail #364.

Road Closures

1.     Cow Creek, NFS Road #438, uphill of the gate at the Bitterroot NF boundary line.

Other Fires in the Area:

·       Big Creek Fire: 265 acres

·       Bear Creek Fire: 5 acres

·       Kootenai Creek: 0.3 acres

·       South Fork Fire (Nez Perce Clearwater NF): 400 acres, Powell Ranger District, NCF, and Stevensville RD, BRF, 12 miles west of Stevensville MT in Idaho 

Fire Restrictions:

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on all Bitterroot National Forest lands in Montana. See mtfireinfo.org for more specific restrictions information.

InciWeb: Mill Lake Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392/

Bitterroot National Forest Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot

What: Mill Lake Fire

Discovered: August 29th
Cause: Lightning
Location: Upper Mill Creek Canyon, 7 miles west of Pinesdale, MT. Stevensville Ranger District

Summary: The lightning-caused Mill Lake Fire located on the north side of Mill Canyon and north of Mill Lake, has grown to 1,589 acres. Most of the growth in the last two days occurred on the north and west sides of the fire, pushed by winds from a passing cold front. According to the latest mapping, there has been little to no growth on the east side of the fire (further down canyon) towards Pinesdale and private property.

Due to heavy smoke in the Mill Creek drainage, fire staff were not able to fly the entire fire today. The fire perimeter is estimated around 1,589 acres and had minimal growth yesterday. A few small spots to the west of the main fire above Mill Lake are burning in the rocks and in a small band of timber with smoldering and creeping. The main fire is currently smoldering and creeping in the down and dead. There is little to no movement to the east (down canyon) from the last report. 

With recent smoke this week, the lightning-caused Blodgett Lake fire wasn’t as visible via aircraft and has increased in activity. The Blodgett Lake fire located approximately 3.5 miles east of Blodgett Lake and 7 miles west of the Blodgett Creek Trailhead is now estimated at 70 acres after several days of easterly winds. It was discovered by air patrol on 8/27.  The fire did cross the main Blodgett Creek on the east flank of the fire and is smoldering in the down and deal fuels, with isolated pockets of open flames on the south and west flanks. Most of the progression of the fire was parallel to the creek and to the south (up drainage).  Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire this week.  These will continue through today (as needed).    

Terrain: The fire is burning in very steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain with large boulder fields, and a heavy component of dead standing timber (snags). Due to the difficult terrain and no landing locations for a helicopter, the fire is not currently staffed. The terrain and the presence of snag trees, limits the ability to safely place firefighters directly on the fire.

Fire Behavior: Fires will continue to burn in the dead and down fuels that are very dry. Fires will spread upslope the steep canyon slopes and down drainage with increased winds. The narrow drainages can funnel the wind increasing the winds that are forecasted. In the areas of timber, there is 40-60% of the trees that are standing dead. If enough fuel and fire gets into those areas, trees can torch out, emit fire embers into areas out in front of the main fire, and start new spot fires. 

Planned Actions: Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire each day this week. The helicopters have been very effective at checking and slowing the fire’s spread. Helicopters will be used again today, and this weekend (water drops) as needed.

Firefighters are continuing to clear brush and thin fuels along Sheafman Road from Cow Creek Trailhead to Sheafman Trailhead. They are also doing fuels prep/reduction from Cow Creek Trailhead along the private land down to and including Mill Creek Trailhead. Crews will continue scouting for further opportunities to build indirect fire line.

Additional Resources: A 20-person hand crew (Type 2), two engines (Type 6), and a 7-person fire module and are assisting crews with digging hand line and fuels reduction work. Heavy equipment (excavator and processor) have started work on a shaded fuel break from the Mill Creek Trailhead south along the private land.

Weather:  A ridge of high pressure will strengthen over the fires Sunday. Moderate west-southwest winds will develop during the afternoon hours. Smoke may limit temperatures and minimum relative humidity potential. Winds are forecasted West 7-12 mph after 1200. High temps and low RHs and thermal belts reestablishing over fire area.  

Safety Concerns/Closures: Firefighter and public safety is always the highest priority during a wildfire. No amount of protection for a structure or resource is worth the loss of human life. No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened by the Mill Lake Fire. An emergency road closure and several trail closures, including Mill Creek Trail #364 are in place for public safety. For additional closure information visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392.

Fire Danger: Fire Danger is currently “Extreme” on the Bitterroot National Forest, the highest level possible. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions also remain in place. Visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more information on local fire restrictions.

2022 Fire Season: This summer, there have been 59 wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest; 10 human-caused and 49 lightning fires.

What: Mill Lake Fire
Discovered: August 29th
Cause: Lightning
Location: Upper Mill Creek Canyon, 7 miles west of Pinesdale, MT. Stevensville Ranger District

Summary: The lightning-caused Mill Lake Fire located on the north side of Mill Canyon and north of Mill Lake, has grown to 1,589 acres. Most of the growth in the last two days occurred on the north and west sides of the fire, pushed by winds from a passing cold front. According to the latest mapping, there has been little to no growth on the east side of the fire (further down canyon) towards Pinesdale and private property.

Due to heavy smoke in the Mill Creek drainage, fire staff were not able to fly the entire fire today. The fire perimeter is estimated around 1,589 acres and had minimal growth yesterday. A few small spots to the west of the main fire above Mill Lake are burning in the rocks and in a small band of timber with smoldering and creeping. The main fire is currently smoldering and creeping in the down and dead. There is little to no movement to the east (down canyon) from the last report. 

With recent smoke this week, the lightning-caused Blodgett Lake fire wasn’t as visible via aircraft and has increased in activity. The Blodgett Lake fire located approximately 3.5 miles east of Blodgett Lake and 7 miles west of the Blodgett Creek Trailhead is now estimated at 70 acres after several days of easterly winds.  It was discovered by air patrol on 8/27.  The fire did cross the main Blodgett Creek on the east flank of the fire and is smoldering in the down and deal fuels, with isolated pockets of open flames on the south and west flanks. Most of the progression of the fire was parallel to the creek and to the south (up drainage).  Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire this week.  These will continue through the weekend (as needed).    

Terrain: The fire is burning in very steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain with large boulder fields, and a heavy component of dead standing timber (snags). Due to the difficult terrain and no landing locations for a helicopter, the fire is not currently staffed. The terrain and the presence of snag trees, limits the ability to safely place firefighters directly on the fire.

Fire Behavior: Isolated single tree/group tree torching creating short range spotting when conditions align. Clear skies today and more ventilation will help to increase fire activity as the inversions and smoke lift.

Planned Actions: Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire each day this week. The helicopters have been very effective at checking and slowing the fire’s spread. Helicopters will be used again today, and this weekend (water drops) as needed.

Firefighters are continuing to clear brush and thin fuels along Sheafman Road from Cow Creek Trailhead to Sheafman Trailhead. They are also doing fuels prep/reduction from Cow Creek Trailhead along the private land down to and including Mill Creek Trailhead. Crews will continue scouting for further opportunities to build indirect fire line.

Additional Resources: A 20-person hand crew (Type 2) and an additional engine (Type 6) will arrive today to assist crews with digging hand line and fuels reduction work. Heavy equipment has also been ordered (excavator and processor) to begin work on a shaded fuel break from the Mill Creek Trailhead south along the private land.

Weather: A Canadian cold front will bring breezy east to northeast winds to western Montana today with gusts up to 20 mph. The front will also bring cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Chances for wetting rains are very low. A ridge of high pressure will rebuild over our area on Sunday through at least next Tuesday, bringing warmer and drier conditions.

Safety Concerns/Closures: Firefighter and public safety is always the highest priority during a wildfire. No amount of protection for a structure or resource is worth the loss of human life. No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened by the Mill Lake Fire. An emergency road closure and several trail closures, including Mill Creek Trail #364 are in place for public safety. For additional closure information visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392.

Fire Danger: Fire Danger is currently “Extreme” on the Bitterroot National Forest, the highest level possible. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions also remain in place. Visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more information on local fire restrictions.

2022 Fire Season: This summer, there have been 59 wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest; 10 human-caused and 49 lightning fires.

The lightning-caused Mill Lake Fire located 12 miles west of Corvallis up Mill Canyon has grown to 450 acres. Most of the growth yesterday was to the north and south (downsloap and upsloap) from the main fire area. There was little to no growth further down canyon, from west to east (towards Corvallis). Fire activity this morning was minimal with smoldering in the burned out areas from yesterday.

Multiple helicopters conducted water bucket drops on the fire Monday and were effective at checking and slowing the fire's spread. Helicopters will be used again today for water drops (as needed).

Firefighters are currently thinning brush and fuels along Sheafman Road (from Cow Creek Trailhead to Sheafman Trailhead) and digging hand line to tie into the Sheafman Creek trail system. Additional resources have been ordered including a 20-person hand crew and engines. No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened.

Location: North side of Mill Canyon, 2 miles east of Mill Lake and 8 miles west of the Mill Creek Trailhead.

Size: 450 acres

Fuel Type: Burning in timber with heavy dead and down trees with overhead hazards (snag trees).

Terrain: Steep, rugged, and inaccessible with large boulder fields. The difficult terrain, snag trees, and no landing locations for a helicopter limits the ability to safely place firefighters directly on the fire at this time.

Closures: The following trails and roads are currently closed for public safety:

Forest Trails: Mill Creek #364, Cow Creek #3, Hauf Lake #309, Sears Lake #312, Sheafman Creek #82, Fred Burr #38 (from the Fred Burr Reservoir to intersection with Mill Creek Trail).

Roads: Cow Creek Road #438
 
 

Contact:  Public Affairs Officer – Tod McKay

Phone:  406-531-1130  

What:  Mill Lake Fire

Discovered:  August 29th  

Cause:  Lightning

Location:  Upper Mill Creek Canyon near Mill Lake, 12 miles west of Corvallis, MT. Stevensville Ranger District   

Summary:  Fire behavior and activity on the Mill Lake Fire increased yesterday afternoon due to critical fire weather.  The fire grew from approximately 7 acres in size to approximately 300 acres, pushed by 15-20 mph winds.  Increased fire activity was observed on both the north and east flanks and the fire made a one mile run down Mill Canyon around 5:00 pm due to the strong winds.          

The fire is currently located on the north side of Mill Canyon, 2 miles east of Mill Lake and 8 miles from the Mill Creek Trailhead.  Mill Creek Trail #364 is currently closed for public safety. 

The Mill Lake Fire was discovered by air patrol and Willow Mountain Fire Lookout on August 29th and was caused by lightning from strong thunderstorms that moved through the Bitterroot Valley.           

Fire Behavior:  There was active group tree torching, short uphill runs, and spotting yesterday up to ¾ mile ahead of the main fire.  Much of the growth was driven by slope and wind alignment combined with extremely dry fuels.  Active fire behavior is expected again this afternoon with hot and dry conditions.  Smoke and flames may be visible as temperatures warm.                      

Terrain:  The fire is burning in very steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain with large boulder fields, and a heavy component of dead standing timber (snags).  Due to the difficult terrain and no landing locations for a helicopter, the fire is not currently staffed.  The terrain and the presence of snag trees, limits the ability to safely place firefighters directly on the fire at this time.         

Planned Actions:  Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire since it was discovered last Monday.  The helicopters worked until dark last night and were effective at checking and slowing the fire’s spread.  Helicopters will be used again today (water drops) as needed.  Firefighters are also patrolling and monitoring the fire via air and from vantage points on the ground. 

Weather: Firefighters are expecting continued hot and dry conditions throughout the remainder of the weekend and into early next week.

Safety Concerns/Closures:  Firefighter and public safety is always the highest priority during a wildfire.  No amount of protection for a structure or resource is worth the loss of human life.  No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened by the Mill Lake Fire.  An emergency trail closure is in effect for Mill Creek Trail #364, west of Corvallis.     

Fire Danger:  Fire Danger is currently “Extreme” on the Bitterroot National Forest, the highest level possible.  Stage 2 Fire Restrictions also remain in place.  Visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more information on local fire restrictions.

2022 Fire Season:  This summer, there have been 56 wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest; 9 human-caused and 47 lightning fires.    

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