The Solomon Fire was reported on Aug 24, 2022, and is burning southeast of Missoula, MT in the Welcome Creek Wilderness on the Missoula Ranger District. It is located approximately 6 miles south of Interstate 90/Rock Creek Exit #126, near Solomon Mountain in upper Solomon Creek, approximately 2 miles southwest of the Spring Creek Trailhead (Rock Creek recreation corridor).
The fire is burning in a steep, thickly timbered bowl with snags, or hazard trees, making up about half of the standing fuel and is surrounded to the south, east, and west by the 2007 Sawmill Fire burned area.
The terrain, fuel type, and the presence of snag trees, limit the ability to place firefighters directly on the fire. Firefighter safety is a top priority when assessing engagement on this fire.
The Solomon Fire is being managed under a point protection strategy which means that highly valued resources (such as buildings, infrastructure, or recreational assets) are being strategically protected from the fire, utilizing various natural and geographic features (past wildfires, trails, rock, and cliff bands) while protecting other values consistent with the Welcome Creek Wilderness. Air support, such as helicopters, may be used to slow and limit potential fire spread. Firefighters are patrolling and monitoring the fire via air and from vantage points on the ground and utilizing fuel moisture measurements, field weather observations, and fire models to inform the suppression strategy.
Closure Information: All closures have been lifted.
Current as of | Tue, 09/13/2022 - 11:12 |
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Incident Type | Wildfire |
Cause | Lightning |
Date of Origin | |
Location | Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District |
Incident Commander | Type 4 Incident Command |
Incident Description | Wildfire |
Coordinates |
46° 37' 57'' Latitude
-113° 41' 26
'' Longitude
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Total Personnel: | 10 |
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Size | 434 Acres |
Percent of Perimeter Contained | 0% |
Fuels Involved | Burning in heavy timber, dead and downed timber, and snag trees (overhead hazards). |
Planned Actions |
Helicopters are being used, as needed, to check fire spread. Firefighters are actively patrolling the Rock Creek corridor and remaining vigilant of changing conditions. Firefighters are monitoring the fire via air and from vantage points on the ground. |
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Projected Incident Activity |
Fire activity and smoke production is expected to increase in the afternoons during warm, dry, and breezy conditions. Smoke may be visible from Rock Creek and parts of the Bitterroot Valley. |
Weather Concerns | Cool weather and higher humidity is anticipated through the rest of this week (9/13-9/18) which should help moderate fire behavior. |
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