Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 7, a Type II Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander John Thompson assumed command of the Bull Gin Complex on September 5th at 7:00 a.m. The Bull Gin Complex is comprised of three wildland fires - the Government Fire, Billiard Fire, and Isabella Lake Fire. The complex is currently 608 acres and 0% contained.

An infrared flight occurred just before 10:00 p.m. yesterday evening providing more accurate mapping for each of the three fires.

Government Fire: 124 acres (approximately 2 miles NE of Noxon, MT)

Billiard Fire: 379 acres (approximately 2 miles NE of Heron, MT)

Isabella Lake Fire: 105 acres (Cabinet Mountains Wilderness)

Current and Planned Activity

Government Fire: Yesterday evening fire activity was highly visible from Hwy 200 and Hwy 56; however, fire behavior remained moderate as fire stayed predominately on the ground with single and group tree torching. The Flathead Hotshots are clearing access routes to various vantage points as the location of the fire has made it difficult for firefighters to see from the ground. Work has begun with heavy equipment to implement a shaded fuel break along the 150 road. Structure assessment has been completed and water systems consisting of sprinklers, pumps, and hoses will be installed around private structures. Aviation will continue to support firefighters on the ground with bucket drops, focusing on the northeast side of the fire.

Billiard Fire: The 379 acres includes the Billiard Fire and the North Star Fire. These fires are expected to grow together and will be referred to as the Billiard Fire. Firefighters, including smokejumpers, 20 person crews, and engines are working to clear access routes as well as scout for opportunities to construct indirect fireline. As heavy equipment becomes available, work will begin along the 2294 road at the junction with Fatman County Road. Aircraft will be utilized as needed to slow fire spread to the west.

Isabella Lake Fire: Located in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness between the East Fork of Bull River and Isabella Creek, west of Isabella Lake and north of Saint Paul Lake. Point protection is planned for the bridge on Trail 646, but otherwise, the fire will be unstaffed and monitored from the air.

Closures: Area and trail closures are in place for the Government Fire and the Isabella Lake Fire to provide for public safety and firefighting operations. Closures are pending for the Billiard Fire area between Hwy 56 and Hwy 200. More information regarding closures will be posted to Inciweb and Facebook later this afternoon.

Weather: Sunny with temperatures in the low to mid 70’s. Southwest winds 6 to 10 mph increasing in the afternoon with gusts up to 20 to 25 mph along the ridges.

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