Granite Pass Complex

Granite Pass Complex
Lolo National Forest 
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Missoula Ranger District Type 3 IMT
Jesse Kurpius, Incident Commander  
August 17, 2021  

Due to a decrease in fire activity and predicted rain, the next update will be Thursday, August 19, 2021. 

Contact Information 
Information Line: 406-624-9176, 8AM - 8PM
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7653/ 
Facebook: facebook.com/GranitePassComplex
Twitter: twitter.com/LoloNF 
Email: 2021.granitepasscomplex@firenet.gov 
YouTube: Granite Pass Complex YouTube 

Fire Statistics 
Location: Multiple locations near Lolo Pass
Date of Origin: July 12, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Total fire acres: 5,911
Containment: 15% 
Cost: $9.8 million                     
Injuries: 0
Structures Lost: 0
Structures Threatened: 33    

Resources 
Crews: 2
Engines: 6
Helicopters: 0
Water Tenders: 2
Heavy Equipment: 4
Personnel: 105 

 Fires in the Granite Pass Complex are being managed under a full suppression strategy with public and firefighter safety as the number one priority. Both indirect and direct suppression tactics are being implemented where access, natural terrain features, and fire behavior allows. 
 
 Summary 
The Granite Pass Complex consists of four fires. The Shotgun and Boulder Creek fires are on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The BM Hill Fire is on both the Nez Perce-Clearwater and the Lolo National Forests. The Lolo Creek fire is exclusively on the Lolo National Forest. The use of water is aiding crews with mop-up operations to protect the Highway 12 transportation corridor, timber resources, electric transmission lines, and recreational improvements while also minimizing impacts to private property and structures.

Lolo and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests 
BM Hill Fire: 5,005 acres, located approximately 1.25 miles north of the Lolo Pass Visitor Center and one-half mile west of Highway 12. Early on Monday, fire activity increased near Granite Creek Road (#9942), but activity diminished later in the day. On the southwest end of the fire area, crews began taking down structure protection and collecting plumbing and hose lays. Rehabilitation work began on dozer line. 
Today, crews will continue to monitor and patrol the fire perimeter. Work will also be underway to clear any debris from the roads and ditches and pick up remaining structure protection equipment. Rehabilitation efforts and planning will continue. 

Lolo National Forest 
Lolo Creek Fire: 165 acres, located approximately one quarter mile west of Highway 12 and one mile north of the Lolo Pass Visitor Center. Crews have completed control lines on the fire perimeter and the fire is in patrol status. 
 
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests 
Shotgun: 528 acres, located approximately two miles south of the Lolo Pass Visitor Center and four miles west of Highway 12. Boulder Creek Fire: 211 acres, located approximately five miles west of the Lolo Pass Visitor Center. The Shotgun and Boulder Creek fires are in very remote, steep, and rugged terrain. Fire spread has been minimal due to the 2015 Boulder Fire scar where limited fuels are available.
 
Weather 
A cold front will arrive today bringing much cooler weather with a chance of rain in the afternoon and overnight. High temperatures are forecast to be 58-63F with relative humidity levels increasing to 50-55%. Afternoon rain may bring .4 inches with one-half inch forecast overnight on Tuesday. Rain and cooler temperatures are predicted again on Wednesday. 

Evacuations, Closures, and Additional Information 
Both the Lolo and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests have implemented STAGE 2 Fire Restrictions. Visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ or http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ to learn more about local fire restrictions. 

• Air quality and smoke monitoring can be found at http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/ 

• Know before you go! Area, road, and trail closures are issued for areas impacted by fire on the Lolo National Forest and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Closure information is updated on Granite Pass Complex InciWeb page. 

• A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Granite Pass Complex fires. For more information, please visit https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_1_3587.html. If you fly, we can’t. Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

• In the event of evacuations, information can be found at: 

• Missoula County: facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice/ 

• Missoula County residents should sign up for emergency alerts, including evacuation notifications at https://www.smart911.com.