Single Publication

Public Meeting – Today, September 8th, 7:00 PM MDT

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 1,418 acres and 0% contained. An infrared flight occurred just before 10:00 PM yesterday evening providing updated acreage for each of the three fires.

Government Fire: 527 acres (approximately 2 miles NE of Noxon, MT)

Billiard Fire: 684 acres (approximately 2 miles NE of Heron, MT)

Isabella Lake Fire: 207 acres (Cabinet Mountains Wilderness)
 

Current and Planned Activity

Government Fire: The fire grew 200 acres yesterday with growth occurring on the north and west sides of the fire. Fire activity increased around 1:00 PM yesterday afternoon and actively backed down towards Government Creek approaching the 150 Road. Due to fire activity and winds, firefighters and heavy equipment were pulled from the west side of the fire until they could safely re-engage.

Today, firefighters will assess new fire growth and reinforce constructed fireline on the west end of the fire. Multiple hand crews will be working along the Rock Creek Road towards the Rock Creek Trailhead to clear vegetation and create viable fireline. Heavy equipment continues to clear vegetation along roads on the west and east sides of the fire. Engine crews will test installed water systems around private structures which utilize portable water tanks to provide water to sprinklers via hoselays. Aviation support is available to slow fire spread as needed.

Billiard Fire: The fire grew 100 acres yesterday on the west side and reaching the 2209 road. Interior burning occurred as well; the strip of unburned fuels was consumed creating a contiguous fire area. Today, firefighters will assess new fire growth and work to secure the fire’s edge along Road 2209. Crews and heavy equipment will improve access and potential firelines.

Isabella Lake Fire: Minimal growth, less than 50 acres, occurred over the past two days. The fire is burning 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 or the Kootenai National Forest Webpage.

Weather: Cooler temperatures, upper 60s to low 70s, with northwest winds 10 to 15 mph and gusting up to 20 mph on the ridgetops.

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