Single Publication

Bull Gin Complex Fires

Government Fire: 2,414 acres; 0% containment

Billiard Fire: 1,125 acres; 6% containment

Isabella Lake Fire: 285 acres; 0% containment

The Bull Gin Complex is currently 3,824 acres. Billiard fire containment increased to 6% as firefighters further secured the western edge.  Warming temperatures and drying conditions contribute to a gradual increase in fire activity after the rainfall last week. To date, over 104,250 hours of firefighting efforts and incident support have occurred on the Bull Gin Complex. Northern Rockies Team 7 will transfer command of the Bull Gin Complex to Northern Rockies Team 2 at 6:30 AM on Monday, September 19, 2022.

Government Fire: Firefighters saw a slight uptick in fire activity yesterday afternoon including isolated tree torching and active surface flame. The fire was most active in the southeast, where active surface fire was burning heavy dead-and-down fuels and backing downslope towards the cobblestone in Rock Creek and containment lines. Sprinklers and water conveyance systems are in place in an old growth cedar grove southeast of the fire’s edge. Heavy equipment and crews completed chipping efforts from the intersection of the 150 road and 150A road to Rock Lake Trailhead and will continue fuel-break improvement, working south on the 150 road chipping slash and hauling brush to designated areas. Mastication was completed in the 2763 road system. On the west side, engines continue to patrol and monitor structures along the Government Road. 

Billiard Fire: Firefighters observed increased fire activity, with surface fire backing downslope towards dozer line above Fatman Road. Handcrews and skidgines patrol, secure, and mop up the fire edge in the northwest area near the Billiard cabin. Slash removal work continues to the west of the fire along Blue Creek Road and Fatman Road. Mastication along the 2293 road system is complete and crews will remove slash to improve containment lines to the south. Engines patrol and monitor 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.  

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.