Solomon Fire Update - Sept. 4, 2022

Fire behavior and activity on the Solomon Fire increased late yesterday afternoon due to critical fire weather. Yesterday, the fire grew from 75 acres to approximately 150 acres in size, burning steadily into a heavy fuel component of dead and down trees. Increased fire activity was observed on both the east and west flanks of the fire at around 4:00 pm due to winds. The fire is still burning in a large bowl of dead and down trees (at approximately 6,800 feet in elevation) below a ridgeline, exhibiting fire behavior that consists of occasional single and group tree torching, short-range spotting, and short up-hill runs. The location of the fire is in steep and thickly timbered terrain with snags, or hazard trees, making up about half of the standing fuel.
 
Today, firefighters and engines will be actively patrolling the Rock Creek Corridor and remaining vigilant of the conditions. Firefighters are also patrolling the fire from the air. The fire is typically most active during the afternoon and early evening hours when temperatures are high and relative humidity is low. A helicopter may be used as needed to check and limit fire spread.
 
Smoke may be visible from the Rock Creek Road, the Rock Creek recreation corridor, and parts of the Bitterroot Valley. If you are recreating in the Rock Creek area, please drive with caution as fire vehicles will be present. 
 
The terrain, fuel type, and the presence of snag trees limit the ability to place firefighters directly on the fire. Firefighter and public safety is the top priority when assessing this engagement. No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened. 
 
Incident Overview: The Solomon Fire is being managed under a point protection strategy which means that highly valued resources (such as buildings, infrastructure, or recreational assets) are being strategically protected from the fire, utilizing various natural and geographic features (past wildfires, trails, rock, and cliff bands) while protecting other values consistent with the Welcome Creek Wilderness. Air support, such as helicopters, may be used to slow and limit potential fire spread. Firefighters are patrolling and monitoring the fire via air and from vantage points on the ground and utilizing fuel moisture measurements, field weather observations, and fire models to inform the suppression strategy. 

FUEL TYPE 
 Burning in heavy timber, dead and downed timber, and snag trees (overhead hazards). 

FIRE BEHAVIOR
Occasional torching and uphill runs, creeping, and smoldering. Smoke and flames may be visible as temperatures warm. Fire activity is expected to increase in the afternoons with hot and dry conditions. 

CLOSURES
 Emergency trail closures are in place for public safety: 

• Solomon Ridge Trail #142, from milepost 0.0 at Solomon Ridge Trailhead to milepost 4.2 at its junction with Trail #232.
• Welcome-Sawmill Saddle Trail #232, from milepost 0.0 at its junction with Trail #142 to milepost 5.4.
• Sawmill Ridge Trail #178, from milepost 0.0 at Sawmill Fishing Access to milepost 6.4 at its junction with Trail #232.
• Welcome Mountain Trailhead

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

Updated Closure Information: Area and trail closures have been lifted for the Solomon Fire on the Missoula Ranger District. There are no closures as of  October 3, 2022.

 Solomon Fire Update - Sept. 3, 2022:

Fire behavior and activity on the Solomon Fire is expected to increase today due to a Red Flag Warning, which includes low relative humidity, southwest winds, and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Firefighters and engines will be actively patrolling the Rock Creek Corridor and remaining vigilant of the conditions. Firefighters are also actively patrolling the fire from the air. The fire is most active during the afternoon hours when temperatures are high and relative humidity is low.

Yesterday, the fire grew by approximately 25 acres and is now 75 acres in size, burning into a heavy fuel component of dead and down trees. Fire growth has been primarily to the north and east as the fire is steadily burning through a bowl of dead and down fuel, exhibiting fire behavior that consists of occasional single and group tree torching, short-range spotting and short up-hill runs. The fire is burning up high (6,800 feet of elevation) in a steep, thickly timbered area with snags, or hazard trees, making up about half of the standing fuel.

Smoke production is expected to increase today due to predicted conditions. Smoke is expected to be visible today from the Rock Creek Road and the Rock Creek recreation corridor, and parts of the Bitterroot Valley. If you are recreating in the Rock Creek area, please drive with caution as fire vehicles will be present.

The terrain, fuel type, and the presence of snag trees limit the ability to place firefighters directly on the fire. Firefighter and public safety is the top priority when assessing this engagement. No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened.

Updated Closure Information: Due to increased fire activity, the following trails are closed for public safety (please reference the closure map):

• Solomon Ridge Trail #142, from milepost 0.0 at Solomon Ridge Trailhead to milepost 4.2 at its junction with Trail #232.
• Welcome-Sawmill Saddle Trail #232, from milepost 0.0 at its junction with Trail #142 to milepost 5.4.
• Sawmill Ridge Trail #178, from milepost 0.0 at Sawmill Fishing Access to milepost 6.4 at its junction with Trail #232.
• Welcome Mountain Trailhead.

Incident Overview: The Solomon Fire is being managed under a point protection strategy which means that highly valued resources (such as buildings, infrastructure, or recreational assets) are being strategically protected from the fire, utilizing various natural and geographic features (past wildfires, trails, rock, and cliff bands) while protecting other values consistent with the Welcome Creek Wilderness. Air support, such as helicopters, may be used to slow and limit potential fire spread. Firefighters are patrolling and monitoring the fire via air and from vantage points on the ground and utilizing fuel moisture measurements, field weather observations, and fire models to inform the suppression strategy.

Sept. 1, 2022 (Afternoon Update)

Solomon Fire 

Fire behavior and activity on the Solomon Fire increased today due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions. The fire is estimated to be 50 acres in size and is burning into a heavy fuel component of dead and down trees. A helicopter is conducting water bucket drops to limit fire spread.

Those recreating in the Rock Creek recreation corridor may see or hear a helicopter working. Smoke may be visible from I-90, Rock Creek Road/the Rock Creek recreation corridor, and from Florence, MT or parts of the Bitterroot Valley.

Firefighters are patrolling and monitoring the fire via air and from a vantage point on the ground. The terrain, fuel type, and the presence of snag trees limit the ability to place firefighters directly on the fire and firefighter safety is a top priority when assessing engagement on this fire.

◾️ Fuel Type: Burning in heavy timber, dead and downed timber, and snag trees (overhead hazards).

◾️ Reported: Wednesday evening, August 24, 2022

◾️ Fire Behavior: Active burning is visible in the afternoons with hot and dry conditions. Active fire behavior includes torching, creeping and smoldering. Smoke and flames may be visible as temperatures warm.

◾️ Closures: No closures are in place and no structures or infrastructure are currently threatened.

 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8368/ & https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8349/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/USFSIPF

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District

Kootenai National Forest, Cabinet Ranger District

Phone: (208) 557-8813

*Updates will occur with any significant changes*

Columbus Fire

Location: Approx. 6 miles northeast of Murray, Idaho | Size: 1,806 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

 

Overview: The Columbus Fire is likely a lightning holdover from previous thunderstorms earlier in August. It was confirmed on August 22nd. It straddles the Idaho/Montana state line near the Columbus Creek drainage in the headwaters of the East Fork of Eagle Creek. The Columbus Fire is in steep, rugged terrain, making access difficult.

Current Status:  The fire is being managed under a confine, contain, and monitor strategy with point protection. Sprinklers have been set up for point protection around private values in the area, and suppression actions have occurred to check fire spread and contain spot fires. Once the fire crossed into Montana, the Cabinet Ranger District of the Kootenai National Forest joined the IPNF for a formal “Delegation”, ensuring that priorities for both districts are being clearly communicated to the one Incident Commander on scene to ensure unified suppression operations. Heavy equipment, including an excavator, dozer, and masticator, are working on Forest Service Roads 152 and 2222 on the Montana side. This work will not only improve access for engines and equipment, but it also increases the defensibility of these road systems if need arises to use them as fireline. Regional haze, combined with local impacts from numerous wildfires, has resulted in Unhealthy to Hazardous air quality across the Idaho Panhandle. Visit fire.airnow.gov for more information, definitions, and recommended precautions.

 

Bear Gulch Fire

Location: Approximately 6 miles east of Murray, Idaho | Size: 144 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

 

Overview: The Bear Gulch Fire was caused by lightning and confirmed on August 18th. It is within a mile of the Idaho/Montana state line near Maple Peak in the Bear Gulch drainage. Terrain is very similar to the Columbus Fire, with abundant snag hazards and access challenges.

Current Status:  Crews continue work to gain safe access to the fire. The firefighting strategy is monitor, confine, and contain. Crews will utilize natural features such as rockslides to help slow the fire's spread. The minimal fire growth over the last three weeks is expected to continue until a season-ending event and acreage has not changed since last report.

Closures: Wildfires pose inherent risks, with the potential for rapidly changing conditions, fire behavior, and fire spread that produces smoke, snags, and rolling rocks and logs. The following closures are in place for firefighter and public safety in the vicinity of the Columbus Fire:

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

·       Trail 148, from its junction with Forest Road 152 to its junction with Trail 7

·       Trail 7, from its junction with Forest Highway 9 at Thomson Pass north to junction with Trail 148

·       Forest Service Road 1551 from its junction with Forest Road 2349 east to the junction with FSR 152

·       All of Forest Service Road 938, FSR 430, FSR 604CZ, and FSR 152

Kootenai National Forest

·       See Map for area closure boundary

Road and trail closures:

·       NFS Road 152 junction of NFS Trail 725 (Emma Creek Trail) in T22N R31E Sec 4 west to the District Boundary in T22N R32W Sec 17

·       NFS Road 152E in its entirety

·       NFS Road 152F in its entirety

·       NFS Road 152G in its entirety

·       NFS road 152J in its entirety

·       NFS Road 215 from the Junction of NFS Road 2254 at T23N R32W Sec 22 to its terminus at NFS Trail 761 at T23N R32W Section 20

·       NFS Road 2222 at Reader Gulch Trailhead at T23N R31W Sec 29 to the junction of NFS Road 152 at T22N R32W Sec 12

·       NFS Road 2257 in its entirety

·       NFS Road 2258 in its entirety

·       NFS Road 2262 in its entirety

·       NFS Trail 725 (Emma Creek Trail) in its entirety

·       NFS Trail 731 (Dixie Ridge Trail) in its entirety

·       NFS Trail 734 (Cub Creek) in its entirety

·       NFS Trail 749 (Reader Gulch) from trailhead at T23N R31W Sec 29 to junction with NFS Road 2254 at T23N R31W Sec 19

·       NFS Trail 761 in its entirety

·       NFS Trail 763 from Junction with NFS Trail 761 in T23N R32W Sec 20 southwest to Black Peak at T23N R32W Sec 31

·       NFS Trail 774 From the Cabinet Ranger District Boundary at T23N R32W Sec 25 North approximately 2.7 miles to SF Trout Creek tributary at T23N R32W Section 18

There are no evacuations associate with these fires. However, when living in fire-prone areas, it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan, including having all essential documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and quickly transportable.

###

 Wildfires pose inherent risks, with the potential for rapidly changing conditions, fire behavior, and fire spread that produces smoke, snags, and rolling rocks and logs. The following closures are in place for firefighter and public safety:

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

·       Trail 148, from its junction with Forest Road 152 to its junction with Trail 7

·       Trail 7, from its junction with Forest Highway 9 at Thomson Pass north to junction with Trail 148

·       Forest Service Road 1551 from its junction with Forest Road 2349 east to the junction with FSR 152

·       All of Forest Service Road 938, FSR 430, FSR 604CZ, and FSR 152.

Kootenai National Forest

·       FSR 152 from the junction with FSR 2262 west to the district boundary

·       FSR 2262 from the junction with FSR 152 south to its terminus

·       Trail 731 from its junction with FSR 152 southwest to its junction with Trail 7

·       Trail 763 from its junction with Trail 761 to district boundary

·       Trail 774 at the junction with Berry Lake tributary to junction with Trail 7

IPNF Closure Map
KNF Closure Map

  

Columbus FireLocation: Approx. 6 miles northeast of Murray, Idaho | Size: Approx. 1,000 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%
Overview: The Columbus Fire is likely a lightning holdover from previous thunderstorms. It was confirmed on August 22nd. It is close to the Idaho/Montana state line near the Columbus Creek drainage in the headwaters of the East Fork of Eagle Creek. The Columbus Fire is in steep, rugged terrain, making access difficult.Current Status:  The fire is being managed under a confine and contain strategy with point protection. Sprinklers have been set up for point protection around private values in the area, and suppression actions have occurred to check fire spread and contain spot fires. The unseasonable hot and dry weather has resulted in red flag warnings across the region and substantial but predicted growth on the Columbus Fire. A reconnaissance flight at midday today provided the most recent acreage update, and the head of the fire has reached the rocky divide of the ID/MT border. Recent patterns of smoke production and fire behavior are expected to continue until moderated by a change in the weather pattern.
Bear Gulch FireLocation: Approximately 6 miles east of Murray, Idaho | Size: 144 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%
Overview: The Bear Gulch Fire was caused by lightning and confirmed on August 18th. It is within a mile of the Idaho/Montana state line near Maple Peak in the Bear Gulch drainage. Terrain is very similar to the Columbus Fire, with abundant snag hazards and access challengesCurrent Status:  Crews continue work to gain safe access to the fire. The firefighting strategy is monitor, confine, and contain. Crews will utilize natural features such as rockslides to help slow the fire's spread. The minimal fire growth over the last three weeks is expected to continue until a season-ending event.
Closures: Wildfires pose inherent risks, with the potential for rapidly changing conditions, fire behavior, and fire spread that produces smoke, snags, and rolling rocks and logs. The following closures are in place for firefighter and public safety: Idaho Panhandle National Forests• Trail 148, from its junction with Forest Road 152 to its junction with Trail 7 • Trail 7, from its junction with Forest Highway 9 at Thomson Pass north to junction with Trail 148• Forest Service Road 1551 from its junction with Forest Road 2349 east to the junction with FSR 152• All of Forest Service Road 938, FSR 430, FSR 604CZ, and FSR 152. Kootenai National Forest• FSR 152 from the junction with FSR 2262 west to the district boundary• FSR 2262 from the junction with FSR 152 south to its terminus• Trail 731 from its junction with FSR 152 southwest to its junction with Trail 7• Trail 763 from its junction with Trail 761 to district boundary• Trail 774 at the junction with Berry Lake tributary to junction with Trail 7When living in fire-prone areas, it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan, including having all essential documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and quickly transportable.###

Record heat has resulted in moderately increased fire behavior on both fires this week, with smoke visible from the Thompson Falls area. The management strategy and objectives have not changed, and suppression resources will be utilized where needed to confine the fires or conduct point zone protection on any private values in the area.

Columbus Fire

Location: Approximately 6 miles northeast of Murray, Idaho | Size: approx. 75 acres | Cause: Lightning 

Current Status: The Columbus Fire is likely a lightning holdover from previous thunderstorms. It was confirmed on August 22nd. It is close to the Idaho/Montana state line near the Columbus Creek drainage in the headwaters of the East Fork of Eagle Creek. The Columbus Fire is in steep, rugged terrain, making access difficult. The fire is being managed under a monitor, confine, and point zone protection strategy. A 20 person hand crew has been assigned to conduct precautionary prep work adjacent to private property. 

Bear Gulch Fire

Location: Approximately 6 miles east of Murray, Idaho | Size: approx. 50 acres | Cause: Lightning

Current Status: The Bear Gulch Fire was caused by lightning and confirmed on August 18th. It is within a mile of the Idaho/Montana state line near Maple Peak in the Bear Gulch drainage. The fire is in steep, rugged terrain, making access difficult. Crews are currently working on helispot construction and gaining access to the fire. The firefighting strategy will be to monitor, confine, and contain. Crews will utilize natural features such as rockslides to help slow the fire's spread. Moderate activity is likely to occur as it transitions from northern to southern aspects until a season-ending event.

Closures: Wildfires pose inherent risks, with the potential for rapidly changing conditions, fire behavior, and fire spread that produces smoke, snags, and rolling rocks and logs. Please avoid the following areas as they are hazardous and may be inaccessible due to suppression activities: Trail 148 along Casper Creek, Trail 7 from the intersection with Trail 774 to Thompson Pass, Trail 1107 near the state line, Trail 763 near the state line, Forest Service Road 938, FSR 430 and FSR 604CZ.

When living in fire-prone areas, it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan, including having all essential documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and quickly transportable.

Fire Behavior: While seasonal conditions such as continued drying and lower live fuel moistures may cause increased fire behavior, shortened day length and good humidity recovery at night may help to moderate it.

Order Number:# 01-15-01-22-17

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest SelVice Helena - Lewis and Clark National Forest

Rocky Mountain Ranger District

Trail Closure

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) trails in the Rocky Mountain Ranger District, Helena - Lewis and Clark National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "Described Trails"):

1. Being on the trails [36 F.R. § 261.54 (e)]

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

This closure applies to National Forest System (NFS) trails #202 (starting at junction with trail #226), #227 and #246 (Observation Pass) generally located in the South Fork Sun drainage in:

• T21N R10W Sections 19, 30, 29, 31 and 32

• T19N R11W Sections 1 and 12

• T19N R10W Sections 5, 8, 9, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21 and 28

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety due to the trails' proximity to the Ursus Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Ord r shall be in effect from September 8, 2022, at 0600 through October 31, 2022, at 2359, unless rescinded.

2. A map identifying the Described Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to Helena-Lewis andClark National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov}

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 Rocky Mountain Ranger District in Augusta, (406) 562-3247, and Helena- Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor's Office in Helena, MT, (406) 449-5210, for more information about this Order.

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

Signed and issued on the 8th of September, 2022.

Forest Supervisor

Order Number: # 01-10-04-22-08

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

Spotted Bear Ranger District

Area and Trail Closure

PROHIBITIONS

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

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

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/TRAILS

Area: As depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A and here by incorporated into this Order, National Forest System Lands are closed that are located in the Rapid Creek Drainage east of Trail #126. Starting where Trail #126 crosses Rapid Creek in Section 30, Township 19 North, Range 11 West, then northerly to Sentinel Mountain, then northeasterly along the Ayres Creek and Rapid Creek Divide to Ayres Peak, then northeasterly along the Stadler Creek/Rapid Creek Divide to the Continental Divide, then southeasterly along said divide to Observation Point, then westerly and northwesterly along the divide between Rapid Creek and Bar, Spring, and Danaher Creeks to the intersection of said divide with trail #126, the northerly along said trail to Rapid Creek, the point of beginning. Trail #126 to remain open.

Trails: As depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A and here by incorporated into this Order, National Forest System Trail #273 (Ayres Creek), #272 (Fiction Creek) and #139 (Rapid Creek) are closed in their entirety.

PURPOSE

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

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from September 9, 2022, at 0700 through December 31, 2022, at 1700, unless rescinded.

2. A map identifying the Described Area/Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.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 Spotted Bear Ranger District in Hungry Horse, MT, at (406) 758-5376 or 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 in or on the same Described Area, Road, or Trail.

Signed and issued on .

Kurtis E. Steele Forest Supervisor

Flathead National Forest