Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 251

Current Size: 2,179 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 4 initial attack crews, numerous suppression modules, 3 engines, 3 aircraft, 5 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status & Planned Activity: The Cinnabar Fire exhibited moderate fire activity yesterday including active surface fire and group torching which led to some growth on the northeast edge of the fire. Helicopters dropped buckets of water on areas of active fire checking the fire spread. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was utilized for a continuous view of the fire and areas of activity. Firefighting resources continue to make progress on completion of indirect line as fuels are cleared from roads and trails and the resulting debris scattered or chipped.

Weather: A red flag warning is in effect today through the evening. Temperatures on the fire will be in the 80’s with winds in the morning out of the southwest at 5-10 MPH increasing to 10-15 MPH in the afternoon.  

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure is in place for public and firefighter safety and includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

Do your part, don’t let a wildfire start.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF  

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 231

Current Size: 2,133 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 3 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 6 aircraft, 5 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status & Planned Activity: Fire activity remained minimal on the Cinnabar Fire yesterday resulting in very little growth. Fuels will continue to dry out today and into the weekend bringing the possibility of more active surface fire, single tree torching and fire growth. Suppression efforts continue as resources on the fire  work to complete indirect fireline using existing roads and trails. To the west of the fire, crews and equipment have connected sections of cleared trails and will maintain the hose lays currently in place. Similar efforts are occurring to the south of the fire utilizing masticators and chippers to clear existing routes. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) will be used again to collect data over the fire area.

Weather: Another warm and sunny day will contribute to drying fuel conditions. Temperatures in the fire area are expected to range from 80-85 degrees with light winds from 5 MPH up to 10 MPH by the afternoon.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

Prevent wildfires, for the love of the outdoors.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF  

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 252

Current Size: 2,124 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 3 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 5 aircraft, 5 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: Despite critical fire weather yesterday, the Cinnabar Fire did not exhibit significant growth. Fire activity remained minimal with isolated smoldering and creeping in the understory and heavier downed fuels. To the west of the fire, firefighters and heavy equipment operators worked to extend and complete a section of indirect line. A hotshot crew cleared a path of indirect handline working to connect the fire’s northern and western edges. Structure surveys have been completed in the Rock Creek drainage.

Planned Actions: Work will continue to connect indirect lines utilizing hand crews and heavy equipment. Firefighters will be clearing fuels left from heavy equipment along roads used as indirect lines to the west and south of the fire. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) will be used again to collect data over the fire area.

Weather: The warm and dry trend continues today with sunshine and temperatures in the fire area expected around 70-72 degrees and light winds from the west about 5 MPH.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov      Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 245

Current Size: 2120 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 1 hotshot crews, 3 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 5 aircraft, 5 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: Minimal growth was reported from yesterday on the Cinnabar Fire as the fire remained quiet with isolated smoldering and creeping. Firefighters completed indirect line along the Bitterroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail #313 on the western edge of the fire. To the north of the fire, a hot shot crew completed indirect handline. In other areas of the fire, crews along with heavy equipment made good progress clearing access routes and improving indirect line.

Planned Actions: Crews across the fire area will continue to clear access routes, improve indirect line and assess areas for potential holding opportunities. To the southwest of the fire, firefighters will work along road 2129 to improve access and clear ladder fuels by limbing trees beside the road. Today, exposed sunny slopes in Ferret Creek and Welcome Sawmill Saddle have the potential to exhibit active surface fire and isolated torching. The expected gusty winds may limit opportunities for aircraft support.

Weather: A critical fire weather day is predicted across the region with low relative humidities and high winds. Temperatures are expected in the low 70s across the fire area with westerly winds up to 20 mph. Gusts of up to 30-35 mph are possible late this afternoon.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235    Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF  

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 261

Current Size: 2,119 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 2 hotshot crews, 3 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 3 aircraft, 2 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: Precipitation and cooler weather stifled new growth on the Cinnabar fire.

While the fire area received an average of 0.15 inches of precipitation, heavy fuels and duff continue to hold heat. Yesterday, firefighters took advantage of the weather and continued to improve indirect lines to the west and south of the fire.

Planned Actions:  Crews will continue to clear and improve access along the 4268 road and will be supported by masticators and heavy equipment. Along the western edge, firefighters will monitor and hold the fire at the Bitterroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail #313. Fire staff will work with a hotshot crew to clear indirect line to the north and complete structure assessment east of the fire in Rock Creek drainage. As fuels begin to dry, fire activity is expected to creep and smolder with minimal opportunities for growth.

Weather: Sunny and warmer weather returns today with temperatures up to 78 over the fire area and 10-20 MPH winds out of the West. The warm and dry trend is expected to continue through Thursday.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 268

Current Size: 2,144 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 2 hotshot crews, 3 initial attack crews, 2 engines, 1 camp crew, 7 helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: Yesterday’s fire activity resulted in an increase of a couple hundred acres. Most of the growth occurred in Ferret Creek as the fire burned to the northeast towards Welcome Sawmill Saddle and the 2007 Sawmill Fire scar. On the western edge, the fire has neared Bitterroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail #313 in some areas. Helicopters worked hot spots with bucket drops throughout the fire. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) collected additional data for fire staff to use in managing the fire.

Planned Actions: Line construction and improvement operations are ongoing. Masticators and heavy equipment are working along the 4268 road. Crews on the western edge will monitor and hold the fire at Bitterroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail #313. Fire activity will likely be minimal with the incoming weather, but will continue to creep and smolder.

Weather: Cooler weather arrives today with temperatures in the 60’s over the fire area and a 50% chance of wetting rain. After today, warm and dry weather will return.  

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235    Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest   Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 213

Current Size: 1,955 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 1 hotshot crew, 2 initial attack crews, 1 camp crew, 6 helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: As the cold front came in yesterday, the Cinnabar Fire became more active. Numerous areas, both interior and along the perimeter saw active surface fire along with some group tree torching. Smoke was visible from communities in the area. Crews on the fire constructed and improved indirect suppression lines on the west and south ends of the fire. Due to the remote location of the fire, an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was utilized to collect data over the fire area including more accurate perimeter mapping and acreage calculation.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue with indirect suppression efforts on the Cinnabar Fire. To the north and east of the fire, crews are assessing areas for access and structure protection. The UAS will be used again today to help fire managers assess terrain, fire activity and access routes in more remote areas.

Weather: Winds will decrease throughout the day and remain out of the west. Monday will bring cooler weather and a slight chance of precipitation.

Closures: The closure area has been increased to include portions of Ambrose Rock Creek Road #428, see the revised closure order on Inciweb. An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 186

Current Size: 2,000 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident.  Resources assigned to the incident include: 1 hotshot crew, 2 initial attack crews, 1 engine, 5 helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment. Additional resources have been ordered and will arrive over the coming days.

Current Status: Yesterday afternoon fire activity at the head of Carron Creek, on the west edge of the fire, produced visible smoke in the Bitterroot Valley, Missoula and Rock Creek communities. Ground fire made short upslope runs with some single tree torching and most of the smoke came from pockets of heavy dead and down fuels. Helicopters helped check the fire spread with water bucket drops. Crews on the ground worked to construct and improve indirect lines.

Planned Actions: Additional crews have arrived to increase efforts constructing and improving line from Cleveland Mountain towards Eightmile Saddle. Operations in the south/southwest area of the fire will continue clearing routes with the masticator.

Weather: An incoming cold front will bring strong winds to the fire area this afternoon, with a Red Flag warning in effect. Winds will be out of the west at 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Fire activity is likely to increase and smoke will likely be visible in the surrounding communities.

Closures: The closure area has been increased to include portions of Ambrose Rock Creek Road #428, see the revised closure order on Inciweb. An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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Closure amended to include Ambrose Rock Creek Road  NFSR#428 from milepost 4.30 at it's junction with Road 428-A to milepost 7.819 at Ambrose Saddle.

BITTERROOT AND LOLO NATIONAL FORESTS
Supervisor’s Order AREA, ROAD AND TRAIL CLOSURE
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. §§ 261.50(a) and 261.50 (b), the following acts are
prohibited on the National Forest System land described below, within the Missoula Ranger District
on the Lolo National Forest, Missoula and Granite Counties, Montana and the Stevensville Ranger
District on the Bitterroot National Forest, Ravalli County, Montana.

PROHIBITIONS
1.    Going into or being upon any area which is closed for the protection of Public health or
safety. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53 (e).
2.    Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54 (e).
3.    Being on the trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55 (a).

CLOSED AREA
1.    Starting in the northeast corner of the area closure in T10N, R16W, Sect. 6 at the junction
of Solomon Ridge Trail # 142 and the Welcome Creek Wilderness Boundary. Following the Wilderness
Boundary south to its junction Cinnamon Bear Creek and Rock Creek in T9N, R17W, Sect. 20. Following
Rock Creek down to its junction with the Wahlquist Ridge Trail #233 in T9N, R17W, Sect. 30.
Following and including Trail #233 northwest to the Bitterroot/Lolo National Forest Boundary in
T9N, R18W, Sect.
15. Following the Forests’ boundary south to its junction with Ambrose/Rock Creek Road #428 in T9N,
R18W, Sect. 22. Following but not including Road #428 to the west line of T9N, R18W, Sect. 22. Head
north following the west line of the Bitterroot National Forest lands in T9N, R18W, Sections 22,
15, 10 and 3 to the north line of T9N, R18W, Sect. 3. Continue to follow the west boundary of the
Bitterroot National Forest lands in T10N, R18W, Sections 34, 27, 22, 21, and 18. Then heading east
to the western line of Sect. 13 of the same T & R. Heading north, following the western section
line of Sect. 13 and the western property line of the Bitterroot National Forest lands in sections
11 and 12 in T10N, R18W to its junction with Bitterroot Divide Road #4243 in T10N, R18W, Sect 2.
Following and including Road #4243 to its junction with Welcome Mountain Road #4249 in T11N, R18W,
Sect. 35. Following and including Road #4249 east to its junction with Solomon Ridge Trail #142 in
T10N, R17W, Sect. 3. Following and including Trail #142 back to the starting point in T10N, R16W,
Sect. 6.

CLOSED ROAD
1.    Ambrose Rock Creek Road, NFSR #428, from milepost 4.30 at its junction with Road 428-A (T9N,
R18W, Sect. 17) to milepost 7.819 at the Ambrose Saddle (T9N, R18W, Sect. 22).
2.    Skyline Road, NFSR #2129, from milepost 0.00 at its junction with Roads #428 (T9N, R18W,
Sect. 22) to the end of the road (T10N, R18W, Sect. 25).
3.    Bitterroot Divide Road, NFSR #4243, from milepost 9.80 at its junction with Roads 601 (T10N,
R18W, Sect. 2) to milepost 8.64 at its junction with Road 4249
(T11N, R18W, Sect. 35).

20-018-LOLO-D3
Page 2 of 2
4.    Welcome Mountain Road, NFSR #4249, from milepost 0.00 at its junction with Road 4243 (T11N,
R18W, Sect. 35) to milepost the end of the road at its junction with Trail #142 (T10N, R17W, Sect.
3).

CLOSED TRAIL
1.    Solomon Ridge Trail, NFST #142, from milepost 4.27 at its junction with road 4249 (T10N,
R17W, Sect. 3) to milepost 0.43 at its junction with Rock Creek.
2.    Wahlquist Ridge Trail, NFST #233, from milepost 0.23 at its junction with Rock Creek (T9N,
R17W, Sect. 30) to in its entirety (T16N, R29W, Sect. 3).

PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is for public health and safety due to hazardous conditions resulting
from fire activities.

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 C.F.R § 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 C.F.R § 261.50(e)(4).

VIOLATION
Violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or
$10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (16 U.S.C. §
551 and 18 U.S.C. § 3559, 3571, and 3581).

IMPLEMENTATION
1.    This order will be in effect upon signing and will remain in effect through until rescinded.
2.    Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Lolo National Forest
Supervisor’s Office in Missoula, MT, telephone number (406) 329-3750 or the Bitterroot National
Forest Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton, MT, telephone number (406) 363-7100.

Done at Missoula, Montana this  28   day of August, 2020.
 

 

Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest    Twitter: @LoloNF  

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 89

Current Size: 2,000 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team, assumed command of the fire yesterday.  Resources assigned to the incident include: 1 hotshot crew, 2 initial attack crews, 1 engine, 5 helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment. Additional resources have been ordered and will arrive over the coming days.

Current Status: Indirect suppression efforts continue to the west of the fire with crews clearing the Bitteroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail from Cleveland Mountain south towards Cinnabar Saddle. Crews are clearing fuels away from the trail and utilizing hose lays to strengthen and complete the line. Fire staff scouted areas to the north and east of the fire to evaluate access as well and assess structures in the Rock Creek drainage.

Planned Actions: Today, crews will work on extending the indirect line on the western side of the fire north towards Eightmile Saddle. Firefighters will begin using a masticator to clear and improve the 4268 road southwest of the fire. Scouting will continue in other areas of the fire and aerial resources are available for reconnaissance work or bucket drops as needed.

Weather:  Mild weather will continue today with a cold front arriving Saturday. Increased winds associated with this cold front will come out of the southwest and have the potential to cause increased fire behavior.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. Please visit Inciweb for a map of the closure area and a list of closed trails and roads. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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