Bull Gin Complex Fires

Government Fire: 2,413 acres; 0% completion
Billiard Fire: 1,125 acres; 6% completion
Isabella Lake Fire: 285 acres; 0% completion

HIGHTLIGHTS: Northern Rockies Team 2 assumed command of the Bull Gin Complex at 6:30 AM today. While incident command is changing, today’s firefighting operations and fire behavior is similar to yesterdays. The fires are expected to be fairly quiet, with minimal fire behavior continuing to move downhill in certain areas. Firefighters will continue to maintain and advance control lines and protect values at risk. Northern Rockies Team 2 thanks the community for its warm welcome and looks forward to working with you all.

Government Fire: The southeast area of the fire continues to be the most active portion of this fire. Firefighters continue to focus on reinforcing control lines, especially where the fire continues to move downhill toward Rock Creek and Rock Creek Road. Resources are actively monitoring the handline and maintaining hoselays established near the private property in this area. Chipping along also Rock Creek Road continues. Engines are patrolling and monitoring structures along Government Road, while masticators advance work along the road. Aircraft are monitoring the Rock Lake Fire, which firefighters recently controlled via initial attack.

Billiard Fire:  Firefighters completed the contingency line along Fatman Road. Dozers also completed lines along the southeast side of the fire. Resources continue to monitor the fire in relation to these lines. Masticators are improving the contingency lines along Road 2296, which connects Fatman Road and Blue Creek Road. Crews continue to patrol and monitor structures along Blue Creek, Blue Creek Bay, Hillside Lane, and Fatman Road.

Isabella Lake Fire: The fire continues to be monitored by air resources.

EVACUATIONS:  On September 8th the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office placed the residents along Government Mountain Road and Timber Ridge Road into pre-evacuation status. For status of emergency conditions, please sign up for Sanders County Emergency Alerts at 406-203-0082.

CLOSURES: Government Mountain Road and Rock Creek Road are closed to the public. The Noxon Refuse Site remains open during regular hours. Area, road, and trail closures are in place for the Government, Billiard, and Isabella Lake Fires to provide for public safety and firefighting operations. See Inciweb for maps and closure descriptions: https://bit.ly/KootenaiNFClosures.

WEATHER:   Today’s forecast is calling for a cooler but dry day, with continued cloud coverage. Today’s winds will be westerly, with gusts up to 15-20 mph on ridgetops. A dry cold front is expected to set in tonight, causing the wind to shift in direction from west to northeast. Wind speed will be similar tonight. A wetting rain (¼ to  ½ inch) is anticipated Wednesday evening, but conditions could change.  

Information Phone Line: 406-426-9644

Email: 2022.bullgin@firenet.gov