Lolo Peak Fire
July 18, 2017
As of this morning the fire perimeter and spot fires encompass roughly 60-70 acres with the fire burning mid-slope directly west of Lolo Peak between the Meadow Creek and Falls Creek sub-drainages of the South Fork of Lolo Creek. This is approximately one mile west of the summit of Lolo Peak.
At this time the majority of the fire is just within the northern boundary of the Selway-Bitterroot wilderness.
An area closure is being developed on both the Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests that will include trails and roads in the vicinity of the fire. Those closure notices and maps will be posted on Inciweb (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/) when they are finalized.
Firefighter safety remains a priority and due to the fire’s current location in remote, rugged and inaccessible terrain firefighters are not directly engaging this fire on the ground at this time. Strategies to manage this fire may include both ground and aviation as needed. Aviation suppression tactics are currently being assessed for potential effectiveness.
Planning efforts for suppression actions now and into the future are being developed to minimize impacts to local communities and infrastructure. Coordination with partners, cooperators, stakeholders is also underway and will continue for the duration of the incident.
No structures or property are currently threatened by this fire. During afternoon periods the fire will likely produce smoke visible from Highway 12, the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula.
Monahan Fire Update
July 17, 2017 5:00 P.M.
Summary: This fire was reported at approximately 5:30pm on Sunday July, 16th on Monahan Mountain. The fire is approximately 17 miles North of Ovando, MT, visible from Highway 200. This backcountry fire is located up the East Fork of Monture Creek between Limestone Pass and Monahan Mountain. Near the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Planned Actions: Trail closures will take place today for public and firefighter safety. The public is asked to avoid the fire area and respect the attached closure (see map). Firefighters today will begin developing a long term strategy for point protection.
Resources: This is a Type 4 Incident being managed by the Seeley Lake Ranger District fire personnel.
Location: Township 18 N Range 12 W Section 33 SW/SW.
Terrain and Vegetation: Moderately timbered/rocky steep slopes with mostly south/south east aspect. Fire is burning in primarily Sub Alpine Fir and a timber/grass understory.
Fire Behavior: Active fire, group torching, single tree torching, and spotting.
Closures: Trail Closure in place.
Trail #402-Limestone Pass, Intersection of Monture/Hahn Trail # 27 and Trail # 402 to Limestone Pass.