This will be the final daily update for the Cinnabar Fire.

Updates will be posted to Inciweb and the Lolo Facebook page as needed.

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 196

Current Size: 2,689 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: 2 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 2 aircraft, several water tenders and pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status & Planned Activity: Active surface fire with occasional single tree torching was observed yesterday morning prior to the precipitation event. Rain and snow began early afternoon with 2 inches of snow falling over the fire. Crews across the fire area will check control lines and clear any fallen trees from yesterday’s strong wind gusts. Firefighters will patrol control lines to the north and east of the fire area and monitor fire activity in the South Fork of Gilbert Creek. To the south, work will continue along road 4268 as it is cleared for indirect line. The Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT) Seven will transition with a local Type III Incident Management Team tomorrow, September 9.

Weather: Today, sunny skies with temperatures in the mid 40s and light winds from 5 to 10 mph are expected in the fire area. A warming and drying trend will occur throughout the week with continued light winds.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure is in place for public and firefighter safety and includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

Help us help you. We’re in this together – Prevent Wildfires.

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Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 198

Current Size: 2,689 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 2 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 3 aircraft, several water tenders and pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status & Planned Activity: Yesterday brought moderate fire activity with active surface fire and occasional group tree torching in the Ferret and Carron Creek areas. The fire grew a little over 200 acres and has reached the South Fork of Gilbert Creek. Control lines are in place to the north and east of the fire and firefighters will monitor and patrol these areas today. Crews working on the west side of the fire will maintain their hose lays and continue to check fire progression as it approaches trail #313. To the south of the fire, firefighters continue to work on clearing road 4268 to utilize as indirect line. Minimal fire activity and growth is expected today with the much cooler weather and precipitation.

Weather: The cold front arriving today will cause a decrease in temperature and an increase in winds. Temperatures in the fire area will be in the mid to high 40’s with northeast winds 20 to 30 mph. Precipitation is likely early afternoon with the potential for up to .25 inches.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure is in place for public and firefighter safety and includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

Help us help you. We’re in this together – Prevent Wildfires.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7063/  

Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 227

Current Size: 2,457 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 2 initial attack crews, 3 suppression modules, 3 engines, 3 aircraft, 3 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status & Planned Activity: The Cinnabar Fire was active yesterday afternoon in the Ferret and Carron Creek areas. The majority of the growth occurred on the north edge as the fire made its way into Welcome Sawmill Saddle. Helicopters assisted ground resources utilizing bucket drops throughout the day. Masticators, clippers and crews are still working to clear routes as indirect line. Heavy equipment such as masticators and clippers are clearing vegetation from the approaching fire side of roads and trails identified as potential holding lines. Handcrews are following behind the heavy equipment utilizing masticators to disperse the debris and reduce fuel loadings. Fire activity is expected to be similar to yesterday.

Weather: Temperatures on the Cinnabar Fire will be in the 70’s today with west winds 10-15 MPH shifting to the northwest in the afternoon. Monday will bring significantly cooler weather with a good chance of precipitation.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure is in place for public and firefighter safety and includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

Help us help you. We’re in this together – Prevent Wildfires.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 251

Current Size: 2,179 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 4 initial attack crews, numerous suppression modules, 3 engines, 3 aircraft, 5 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status & Planned Activity: The Cinnabar Fire exhibited moderate fire activity yesterday including active surface fire and group torching which led to some growth on the northeast edge of the fire. Helicopters dropped buckets of water on areas of active fire checking the fire spread. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was utilized for a continuous view of the fire and areas of activity. Firefighting resources continue to make progress on completion of indirect line as fuels are cleared from roads and trails and the resulting debris scattered or chipped.

Weather: A red flag warning is in effect today through the evening. Temperatures on the fire will be in the 80’s with winds in the morning out of the southwest at 5-10 MPH increasing to 10-15 MPH in the afternoon.  

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure is in place for public and firefighter safety and includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

Do your part, don’t let a wildfire start.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF  

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 231

Current Size: 2,133 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 3 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 6 aircraft, 5 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status & Planned Activity: Fire activity remained minimal on the Cinnabar Fire yesterday resulting in very little growth. Fuels will continue to dry out today and into the weekend bringing the possibility of more active surface fire, single tree torching and fire growth. Suppression efforts continue as resources on the fire  work to complete indirect fireline using existing roads and trails. To the west of the fire, crews and equipment have connected sections of cleared trails and will maintain the hose lays currently in place. Similar efforts are occurring to the south of the fire utilizing masticators and chippers to clear existing routes. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) will be used again to collect data over the fire area.

Weather: Another warm and sunny day will contribute to drying fuel conditions. Temperatures in the fire area are expected to range from 80-85 degrees with light winds from 5 MPH up to 10 MPH by the afternoon.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

Prevent wildfires, for the love of the outdoors.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF  

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 252

Current Size: 2,124 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 3 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 5 aircraft, 5 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: Despite critical fire weather yesterday, the Cinnabar Fire did not exhibit significant growth. Fire activity remained minimal with isolated smoldering and creeping in the understory and heavier downed fuels. To the west of the fire, firefighters and heavy equipment operators worked to extend and complete a section of indirect line. A hotshot crew cleared a path of indirect handline working to connect the fire’s northern and western edges. Structure surveys have been completed in the Rock Creek drainage.

Planned Actions: Work will continue to connect indirect lines utilizing hand crews and heavy equipment. Firefighters will be clearing fuels left from heavy equipment along roads used as indirect lines to the west and south of the fire. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) will be used again to collect data over the fire area.

Weather: The warm and dry trend continues today with sunshine and temperatures in the fire area expected around 70-72 degrees and light winds from the west about 5 MPH.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov      Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 245

Current Size: 2120 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 1 hotshot crews, 3 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 5 aircraft, 5 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: Minimal growth was reported from yesterday on the Cinnabar Fire as the fire remained quiet with isolated smoldering and creeping. Firefighters completed indirect line along the Bitterroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail #313 on the western edge of the fire. To the north of the fire, a hot shot crew completed indirect handline. In other areas of the fire, crews along with heavy equipment made good progress clearing access routes and improving indirect line.

Planned Actions: Crews across the fire area will continue to clear access routes, improve indirect line and assess areas for potential holding opportunities. To the southwest of the fire, firefighters will work along road 2129 to improve access and clear ladder fuels by limbing trees beside the road. Today, exposed sunny slopes in Ferret Creek and Welcome Sawmill Saddle have the potential to exhibit active surface fire and isolated torching. The expected gusty winds may limit opportunities for aircraft support.

Weather: A critical fire weather day is predicted across the region with low relative humidities and high winds. Temperatures are expected in the low 70s across the fire area with westerly winds up to 20 mph. Gusts of up to 30-35 mph are possible late this afternoon.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235    Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF  

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 261

Current Size: 2,119 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 2 hotshot crews, 3 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 3 aircraft, 2 water tenders and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: Precipitation and cooler weather stifled new growth on the Cinnabar fire.

While the fire area received an average of 0.15 inches of precipitation, heavy fuels and duff continue to hold heat. Yesterday, firefighters took advantage of the weather and continued to improve indirect lines to the west and south of the fire.

Planned Actions:  Crews will continue to clear and improve access along the 4268 road and will be supported by masticators and heavy equipment. Along the western edge, firefighters will monitor and hold the fire at the Bitterroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail #313. Fire staff will work with a hotshot crew to clear indirect line to the north and complete structure assessment east of the fire in Rock Creek drainage. As fuels begin to dry, fire activity is expected to creep and smolder with minimal opportunities for growth.

Weather: Sunny and warmer weather returns today with temperatures up to 78 over the fire area and 10-20 MPH winds out of the West. The warm and dry trend is expected to continue through Thursday.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235     Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest     Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 268

Current Size: 2,144 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 2 hotshot crews, 3 initial attack crews, 2 engines, 1 camp crew, 7 helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: Yesterday’s fire activity resulted in an increase of a couple hundred acres. Most of the growth occurred in Ferret Creek as the fire burned to the northeast towards Welcome Sawmill Saddle and the 2007 Sawmill Fire scar. On the western edge, the fire has neared Bitterroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail #313 in some areas. Helicopters worked hot spots with bucket drops throughout the fire. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) collected additional data for fire staff to use in managing the fire.

Planned Actions: Line construction and improvement operations are ongoing. Masticators and heavy equipment are working along the 4268 road. Crews on the western edge will monitor and hold the fire at Bitterroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail #313. Fire activity will likely be minimal with the incoming weather, but will continue to creep and smolder.

Weather: Cooler weather arrives today with temperatures in the 60’s over the fire area and a 50% chance of wetting rain. After today, warm and dry weather will return.  

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. For the current closure and map visit Inciweb. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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Fire Information Line: 406-356-6235    Fire Email: 2020.cinnabar@firenet.gov     Facebook: Lolo National Forest   Twitter: @LoloNF

Start date: August 19th

Location: Welcome Creek Wilderness, Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, Granite County

Cause: Lightning

Total Personnel: 213

Current Size: 1,955 acres

Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. Resources assigned to the incident include: 1 hotshot crew, 2 initial attack crews, 1 camp crew, 6 helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Current Status: As the cold front came in yesterday, the Cinnabar Fire became more active. Numerous areas, both interior and along the perimeter saw active surface fire along with some group tree torching. Smoke was visible from communities in the area. Crews on the fire constructed and improved indirect suppression lines on the west and south ends of the fire. Due to the remote location of the fire, an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was utilized to collect data over the fire area including more accurate perimeter mapping and acreage calculation.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue with indirect suppression efforts on the Cinnabar Fire. To the north and east of the fire, crews are assessing areas for access and structure protection. The UAS will be used again today to help fire managers assess terrain, fire activity and access routes in more remote areas.

Weather: Winds will decrease throughout the day and remain out of the west. Monday will bring cooler weather and a slight chance of precipitation.

Closures: The closure area has been increased to include portions of Ambrose Rock Creek Road #428, see the revised closure order on Inciweb. An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, and Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest. The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety. The Rock Creek Road #102 corridor and recreation access remains open.

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