Single Publication

What: Mill Lake Fire

Discovered: August 29th
Cause: Lightning
Location: Upper Mill Creek Canyon, 7 miles west of Pinesdale, MT. Stevensville Ranger District

Summary: The lightning-caused Mill Lake Fire located on the north side of Mill Canyon and north of Mill Lake, has grown to 1,589 acres. Most of the growth in the last two days occurred on the north and west sides of the fire, pushed by winds from a passing cold front. According to the latest mapping, there has been little to no growth on the east side of the fire (further down canyon) towards Pinesdale and private property.

Due to heavy smoke in the Mill Creek drainage, fire staff were not able to fly the entire fire today. The fire perimeter is estimated around 1,589 acres and had minimal growth yesterday. A few small spots to the west of the main fire above Mill Lake are burning in the rocks and in a small band of timber with smoldering and creeping. The main fire is currently smoldering and creeping in the down and dead. There is little to no movement to the east (down canyon) from the last report. 

With recent smoke this week, the lightning-caused Blodgett Lake fire wasn’t as visible via aircraft and has increased in activity. The Blodgett Lake fire located approximately 3.5 miles east of Blodgett Lake and 7 miles west of the Blodgett Creek Trailhead is now estimated at 70 acres after several days of easterly winds. It was discovered by air patrol on 8/27.  The fire did cross the main Blodgett Creek on the east flank of the fire and is smoldering in the down and deal fuels, with isolated pockets of open flames on the south and west flanks. Most of the progression of the fire was parallel to the creek and to the south (up drainage).  Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire this week.  These will continue through today (as needed).    

Terrain: The fire is burning in very steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain with large boulder fields, and a heavy component of dead standing timber (snags). Due to the difficult terrain and no landing locations for a helicopter, the fire is not currently staffed. The terrain and the presence of snag trees, limits the ability to safely place firefighters directly on the fire.

Fire Behavior: Fires will continue to burn in the dead and down fuels that are very dry. Fires will spread upslope the steep canyon slopes and down drainage with increased winds. The narrow drainages can funnel the wind increasing the winds that are forecasted. In the areas of timber, there is 40-60% of the trees that are standing dead. If enough fuel and fire gets into those areas, trees can torch out, emit fire embers into areas out in front of the main fire, and start new spot fires. 

Planned Actions: Multiple helicopters (Type 1 & 2) have been conducting water bucket drops on the fire each day this week. The helicopters have been very effective at checking and slowing the fire’s spread. Helicopters will be used again today, and this weekend (water drops) as needed.

Firefighters are continuing to clear brush and thin fuels along Sheafman Road from Cow Creek Trailhead to Sheafman Trailhead. They are also doing fuels prep/reduction from Cow Creek Trailhead along the private land down to and including Mill Creek Trailhead. Crews will continue scouting for further opportunities to build indirect fire line.

Additional Resources: A 20-person hand crew (Type 2), two engines (Type 6), and a 7-person fire module and are assisting crews with digging hand line and fuels reduction work. Heavy equipment (excavator and processor) have started work on a shaded fuel break from the Mill Creek Trailhead south along the private land.

Weather:  A ridge of high pressure will strengthen over the fires Sunday. Moderate west-southwest winds will develop during the afternoon hours. Smoke may limit temperatures and minimum relative humidity potential. Winds are forecasted West 7-12 mph after 1200. High temps and low RHs and thermal belts reestablishing over fire area.  

Safety Concerns/Closures: Firefighter and public safety is always the highest priority during a wildfire. No amount of protection for a structure or resource is worth the loss of human life. No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened by the Mill Lake Fire. An emergency road closure and several trail closures, including Mill Creek Trail #364 are in place for public safety. For additional closure information visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8392.

Fire Danger: Fire Danger is currently “Extreme” on the Bitterroot National Forest, the highest level possible. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions also remain in place. Visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more information on local fire restrictions.

2022 Fire Season: This summer, there have been 59 wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest; 10 human-caused and 49 lightning fires.