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Boulder Lake Fire - Sept. 7

Boulder Lake
Publication Type: News 09/07/2022

Boulder Lake Fire Update - Sept. 7

Yesterday, the Boulder Lake Fire grew to about 300 acres in size due to critical fire weather conditions including low humidity and wind gusts. Fire growth primarily occurred to the east and northeast, but fire activity was also observed on the west flank of the fire. The fire is still burning entirely within the Rattlesnake Wilderness. Because of the increased fire activity to the west, Boulder Lake, Fly Lake, and Gold Creek Lake (above Boulder Lake) are now closed to the public including associated access trails (see closure description below and attached map). Smoke may be visible from Arlee, Missoula, Seeley Lake, Highway 200 and I-90.
 

Fire activity and behavior includes single and group tree torching, short wind-driven crown runs, short-range spotting, creeping, and smoldering. Short-range spotting and spot fires are common in the subalpine/mixed conifer fuel type which typically burns in a torching and spotting pattern depending on wind and conditions. Firefighters are on-scene assessing the situation and scouting for possible containment options outside of the wilderness to the southeast of the fire. Helicopters may be used periodically to limit fire spread. 
 

Yesterday, crews conducted structure preparation on the Gold Creek Cabin (Forest Service structure) by clearing vegetation away from cabin and applying aluminized structure wrap, or cabin wrap, to the exterior of the cabin to protect it from potential radiant heat and embers. Today, firefighters are expecting another day of elevated fire conditions and increased fire activity in the afternoons due to persistent hot, dry, and windy conditions. Terrain, fuel type, and the presence of snag trees limit the ability to place firefighters directly on the fire. Firefighter and public safety is the top priority when assessing this engagement.
 

NEW: An area closure is now in place for the Boulder Lake/Upper Gold Creek basin, including Boulder and Fly Lakes. Emergency trail closures remain in effect and have been expanded for this area and road closures in upper Gold Creek are now in place (please see attached map).  
 

Incident Overview: The Boulder Lake Fire was reported at approximately 9 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2022, and is burning in the Rattlesnake Wilderness, east of Boulder Lake on the Missoula Ranger District. Due to existing terrain and fuel conditions, which create difficultly in establishing lookouts, escape routes, and safety zones for ground crews, the incident is being managed under a Point-Zone Protection strategy. A Point-Zone Protection strategy protects highly valued resources (such as buildings, infrastructure, or recreational assets) from the fire, utilizing various natural and geographic features (past wildfires, trails, rock, and cliff bands) while protecting other values consistent with the Rattlesnake Wilderness. Air support, such as helicopters, may be used to slow and limit potential fire spread and minimize potential fire spotting distances. The Boulder Lake Fire is surrounded to the east and southeast by the Mineral Primm Fire (2003) and to the north by the Liberty Fire (2017) burned areas.
 
If the fire progresses outside of the Rattlesnake Wilderness, opportunities for implementing a Direct/Indirect suppression strategy will be assessed. Containment opportunities outside the Wilderness and roadless areas are currently being assessed and would likely utilize existing burn scars, natural barriers, and road systems.

CLOSURES: An area closure is in place for public safety and includes all National Forest lands in the Boulder Lake basin (please reference the attached map).

CLOSED AREAS:

  • Access is closed to Boulder Lake, Fly Lake and Gold Creek Lake. 
  • Gold Creek Cabin (Forest Service structure).
CLOSED TRAILS
  • Boulder Lake Trail #333, from milepost 0.0 at junction with Road #4323 to milepost 5.4 at Boulder Lake. 
  • Boulder Point Trail #334, from milepost 0.0 at junction with Trail #333 to milepost 0.2 at the end of the trail. 
  • Fly Lake Trail #336, from milepost 0.0 at junction with Trail #518 to milepost 1.3 at Fly Lake. 
  • Porcupine Creek Trail #504, from milepost 0.0 at junction with Rattlesnake Creek Trail #515 to milepost 4.1 at its junction with Trail #333. 
  • Gold Creek Trail #518, from milepost 0.0 at trailhead on Road #16859 to milepost 4.9 at its junction with Trail #333. 
  • Gold Cabin (Lower Gold Ridge) Trail #519, from milepost 0.0 at its junction with Trail #518 to the end of the trail. 
CLOSED ROADS
  • Gold Creek Road, National Forest System Road #126, from milepost 10.1 at its junction with Road #2118 to the end of the road at milepost 12.5.
  • Gold Ridge Road, National Forest System Road #2118, from milepost 0.0 at junction with Gold Creek Road #126 to milepost 3.4 at the gate.
  • Gold Ridge Meadows Road, National Forest System Road #2121, from milepost 0.0 at junction with Gold Ridge Road #2118 to milepost 4.3 at the gate.
  • Upper Gold Peak Spur, National Forest System Road #16859, from junction with Road #2121 to the end of the road at milepost 1.2.