Single Publication

Boulder Lake Fire Update - Sept. 13, 2022

The Boulder Lake Fire is now approximately 1,800 acres in size due to fire growth on the south flank of the fire. Fire behavior on the south flank includes surface fire with isolated torching, creeping, and backing in heavy dead and down fuels. The fire has now reached the Boulder Lake Trail #333 to the south. Continued point protection efforts by helicopters have resulted in the Gold Creek Cabin remaining unburned.
 
Yesterday, heavy equipment completed operations to improve existing roads to the south of the fire and will now move into the road system to the east of the fire to improve access and opportunities for containment. Helicopters will continue to be used as needed to conduct water bucket drops and check fire spread as visibility and flying conditions allow. MT DNRC engines continue to seek out and extinguish spot fires on the eastern flank of the fire near the Gold Creek Trailhead.
 
Cooler weather is settling in over the fire area beginning today. Cool weather and higher humidity is forecasted through the rest of the week which should help to moderate fire behavior.
Fire managers continue to utilize a confine and contain suppression strategy to engage the south and eastern flanks of the fire, outside of the Wilderness boundary. Containment opportunities will continue to be assessed and may include existing burn areas, natural barriers, trails, and existing road systems.
 
Closure Update: A road closure barricade has been adjusted to allow public access to the east of the closure into Road #4224/Black Mountain area; however, the existing area closure and associated trail and road closures remain in place for public safety. 
 
Incident Overview: The Boulder Lake Fire was reported on Sept. 3, 2022, and is burning primarily in the Rattlesnake Wilderness, east of Boulder Lake on the Missoula Ranger District. A Point-Zone Protection strategy is being utilized in the Wilderness. This 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. Additionally, fire managers will be utilizing a confine and contain suppression strategy to engage the eastern and southeastern flanks of the fire outside of the Wilderness. Containment opportunities may include 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.

CLOSED AREAS:

• Access is closed to Boulder Lake, Fly Lake, and Gold Creek Lake. 
• Gold Creek Cabin (Forest Service structure).