Single Publication

Public Meeting – Thursday September 8th, 7:00 PM

Noxon Volunteer Fire Department

The Bull Gin Complex is comprised of three wildland fires - the Government Fire, Billiard Fire, and Isabella Lake Fire. The complex is currently 1,066 acres and 0% contained.

An infrared flight occurred around 11:00 PM yesterday evening providing updated acreage for each of the three fires.

Government Fire: 313 acres (approximately 2 miles NE of Noxon, MT)

Billiard Fire: 574 acres (approximately 2 miles NE of Heron, MT)

Isabella Lake Fire: 179 acres (Cabinet Mountains Wilderness)

Current and Planned Activity

Government Fire: The fire grew just over 100 acres yesterday with growth occurring in all directions. The fire is slowly backing down to Government Creek on the west and into Miller Gulch on the east. Crews, along with heavy equipment removed brush along the 150 road (Government Creek) making progress on a shaded fuel break removing fuels to slow fire spread to the west. Aviation support provided water bucket drops on the northwest side of the fire to slow fire spread above Rock Creek. Today, firefighters will continue to remove fuels along road systems utilizing chainsaws and heavy equipment. Engine crews continue to install water systems around private structures as sprinklers, pumps and hose become available.

Billiard Fire: The fire grew just over 100 acres yesterday with growth occurring on the west and northwest side of the fire. Yesterday, aircraft delivered retardant to the southeast edge of the fire to slow fire spread towards Star Peak. Heavy equipment and crews are preparing a shaded fuel break from the junction of road 2294 and Fatman Road and expect to reach Blue Creek Road today or tomorrow.

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. The fire remains unstaffed and monitored from the air.

Closures: Area, road, and trail closures are in place for the Government Fire, Isabella Lake Fire, and Billiard Fire to provide for public safety and firefighting operations. More detailed information regarding closures can be found on Inciweb.

Weather: A red flag warning is in effect today due to low humidity and gusty winds. Winds will be southwest 12-18 mph with gusts to 25-30 mph during the afternoon. As a result of these conditions, more active fire behavior is anticipated.

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