Firefighters are working on two new wildfires caused by lightning and discovered Saturday on the forest. As of Sunday, both fires were burning in remote locations in the Bitterroot Mountains and there were no structures threatened or closures as of press time.
The Little Rock Creek Fire was 1/10th of an acre and was staffed with four firefighters who were flown into the area Saturday night and rappelled to the fire from a hovering helicopter. The fire is burning in the Little Rock Creek drainage on the Darby/Sula Ranger District southwest of Lake Como. It is currently contained and was expected to be out later on Sunday.
The Canyon Fire was estimated at 3/10th of an acre and is located west of Hamilton at the top of Blodgett Canyon between Blodgett Lake and Blodgett Pass. As of Sunday, there were eight firefighters on scene who were flown in by helicopter and were working to suppress the fire which was 0% contained at press time. The fire is located approximately nine miles west of the Blodgett Canyon Trailhead.
In addition to the eight firefighters assigned to the Canyon Fire there is also one helicopter assisting with bucket work to help control the fire’s spread. The helicopter will also be flying in additional resources for the crew so residents living near the area and anyone hiking the popular Blodgett Canyon Trail #19 should expect helicopter traffic throughout the day.
Both fires were burning in remote and rugged locations. The Canyon Fire is located in extremely steep and rocky terrain.
Firefighters are working to control both fires, which are being actively suppressed, under a full suppression strategy. A helicopter using buckets to drop water in key locations will check the fire’s growth and aviation will continue to be utilized as needed.
Fire behavior was characterized as creeping and smoldering with some single tree torching and spotting, aided by winds. The fires are burning in timber and brush.
The immediate forecast was for hot and dry weather with low relative humidity and gusty winds late in the day The warmest temperatures of the year so far are expected this week, with highs reaching into the mid-90s and a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Firefighter safety remains a top priority as the fires are burning in remote, rugged, and steep terrain.
Fire managers would like to remind visitors and recreationalist to be extremely careful while visiting the forest. Pay attention to those items that may cause a spark, such as chains on a trailer. Ensure that all campfires are dead out by adding water and stirring dirt into hot coals until cold. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave! One spark is all it takes to start a wildfire.
2019 Fire Season: Firefighters have responded to 30 lightning wildfires and 10 human caused fires this summer on the Bitterroot National Forest. Due to the quick response of crews, all fires were kept under one acre is size.