Single Publication

KEY MESSAGE

Heavy equipment is continuing to work on cleaning up residual fuels from indirect line on Moccasin Ridge using the closed roads to access the line. Yesterday, Miller Peak Fire resources were able to assist Lolo National Forest fire personnel in containing a new fire that started east of the fire. The new fire was 20 feet by 20 feet and was quickly contained and controlled. Even with recent precipitation, fuels are still available for new starts.

CURRENT STATUS

Fire activity has decreased significantly on the fire, but the record low moisture in the heavy fuels allows for residual heat to remain despite the recent precipitation. Crews continue to work on patrolling and mopping up any residual heat along the spotty eastern edge of the fire and being available for any new starts that may occur.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Tuesday low-level moisture and instability allowed for scattered thunderstorms during the morning hours that brought frequent lightning and wetting rains for some areas. Tuesday afternoon and evening saw another round of strong thunderstorms with frequent lightning, small hail and gusty outflow winds up to 40 mph.

The flow pattern will switch to the northeast today and Thursday with isolated rain showers each day. A southwesterly flow will bring afternoon thunderstorms each day, Saturday and Sunday, that may keep cloud-cover over the area in the overnight hours.

CLOSURES

An area and road closure around the fire is in effect due to hazardous conditions resulting from fire activity and to allow crews to finish their work on steep, single lane roads. Stage II fire restrictions are in effect in the area. Specific closure information and maps are posted on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtlnf-miller-peak-fire and https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices as they are implemented.