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Boulder Lake Fire Update - Sept. 26, 2022 (Final Update)

Boulder Lake
Publication Type: News 09/26/2022

Boulder Lake Fire Update - Sept. 26, 2022
 
Late last week, over an inch of rain fell over the Boulder Lake Fire area resulting in no new fire growth and minimal fire behavior. In the coming weeks, fire activity is anticipated to be minimal due to moderate daytime temperatures and cool evenings and nights. The fire may continue to smolder in heavy dead/down fuels, producing some light smoke. Crews will continue to patrol the fire until a season-ending event occurs (substantial rain or snow). 
Due to the current and predicted weather and minimal fire behavior, the area closure has been lifted. Those entering the burned area are advised to exercise caution. A burned area often contains hazard trees (weakened, partially burned trees that are at-risk of falling) and partially burned stumps and ash pits, or smoldering ash pits. Please check current weather forecasts prior to entering the burned area and avoid windy days. 
This will be the last update for the Boulder Lake Fire unless conditions significantly change. 
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. 
FUEL TYPE Burning in dead and downed timber, and snag trees (overhead hazards). 
FIRE BEHAVIOR  Smoldering. 
CLOSURESAll closures have been lifted. Please exercise caution.