Single Publication

The Bull Gin Complex is currently 3,673 acres and 0% contained.

Government Fire: 2,284 acres (NE of Noxon, MT)

Billiard Fire: 1,112 acres (NE of Heron, MT)

Isabella Lake Fire: 277 acres (Cabinet Mountains Wilderness)

Yesterday’s operations were supported by an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) module, which can fly in low visibility conditions, collect valuable visual observations, and conduct aerial firing. An infrared flight at 11 PM last night showed minimal growth of the past two days. Please adhere to reduced speeds posted on Highway 200.

Government Fire: The fire perimeter has grown slowly to the north, and towards control lines to the south and east. Yesterday, firefighters and engine crews successfully held control line on the west side, using available water resources and mitigating trees as they fell across the fireline. Firing operations were implemented to remove unburnt fuel between the control line and fire edge in the Government Creek area with both aerial and on-the-ground resources. The southwest edge of the fire slowly backed down to the dozer line. Crews and heavy equipment will continue mastication and chipping along on the 150 road in Rock Creek area, removing heavy fuels from the east side of the road. Night operations consisting of engines and a firefighting module patrolled Government Creek Road and the southern control line. The Rock Lake Fire perimeter is secure; firefighters will backhaul unneeded equipment and check on interior smokes.

Billiard Fire: Smoky conditions moderated fire activity over the last two days. Yesterday, firefighters held control line along the western edge of the fire and began working interior to further secure the line. Heavy equipment continued fuel removal efforts along Fatman Road. Hand crews and heavy equipment will remove slash on the 2293 road and begin constructing dozer line from top of the 2293 road down slope to Fatman Road. Water systems are in place for all structures along Blue Creek, Blue Creek Bay, Hillside Lane, and Fatman Road.

Isabella Lake Fire: The fire remains unstaffed and monitored.

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: Government Mountain Road and the Rock Creek Road are closed to the public. Access is limited to residents and fire personnel only. 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.

Weather: Cooler temperatures in the mid-60s and showers are expected mid-day with accumulation variable across the fires. Light and variable winds are expected. Smoke and visibility should improve after the rain moves through the area.  ###