Single Publication

The Bull Gin Complex is currently 2,318 acres and 0% contained.

Government Fire: 1,215 acres (NE of Noxon, MT)

Billiard Fire: 859 acres (NE of Heron, MT)

Isabella Lake Fire: 244 acres (Cabinet Mountains Wilderness)

Current and Planned Activity

Government Fire: The fire was active in the Miller Gulch area as the fire grew to the south and east with spotting 500 to 1,000 feet ahead of the main fire. On the west side, the fire slowly reached control lines established to the north of and along the 150 road where firefighters successfully held the fire. Dozer operators made progress on a control line to the south of the fire and north of residences on Government Mountain Road. Helicopters supported efforts with water bucket drops when requested by firefighters. Today, clearing of vegetation along the 150 road and Rock Creek Road continues with hand crews, masticators, chippers, and clippers. On the west side, the Flathead Hotshots will again focus on holding the fire where it came down to Government Creek. Crews will continue construction on the dozer line north of Government Mountain Road. Scouting for potential firelines between Government Creek and Soldier Creek will occur. 

Two hand crews are dedicated to the Rock Lake Fire, a three-acre fire near Rock Lake trailhead, extinguishing remaining heat near the fire edge further securing the perimeter.

Billiard Fire: Fire growth occurred along the western and southern edge of the fire approaching dozer line northeast of Fatman Mountain. Firefighters successfully held the fire along dozer and handline previously constructed near the 2290 road. Today, crews and heavy equipment will work to prepare roads and machine line by removing brush and smaller along Fatman Mountain Road and to the north. Firefighters will continue to hold and secure fireline on the west side where fire as reached the line. Structure protection work includes fuel removal and setting up water systems in the Hillside Lane area and assessments in the Blue Creek area.

Isabella Lake Fire: The fire remains unstaffed and monitored from the air. Minimal growth of approximately 16 acres occurred yesterday.

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. Please sign up for Sanders County Emergency Alerts at 406-203-0082 to stay informed on the status of emergency conditions.

Closures: Area, road, and trail closures are in place for the Government Fire, Billiard Fire, and Isabella Lake Fire to provide for public safety and firefighting operations.

Weather: Warmer and drier weather is expected today. Mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid 70’s with easterly ridgetop winds 8 to 12 mph and gusts up to 16 mph.     

###