Fire Suppression Progress And Latest Conditions On Sawlog Fire

WISER RIVER, MT – Yesterday, a reconnaissance flight and infrared UAS detected scattered heat across the fire footprint, mainly in smoldering fuels. Crews continued “mop-up” operations along the previously constructed sawline and handline on both the southern and northern edges, completing approximately 20% of the fire perimeter so far. Operations are ongoing with plans to expand along both flanks toward full “mop-up” completion. Fire activity is expected to increase today as a dry cold front moves through with gusty winds.

On the western edge, the UAS supported firefighting efforts by flying infrared and reconnaissance missions over inaccessible areas dense with hazard trees (“snags”). Crews are also conducting structure assessments along the Highway 43 corridor.

On the northern flank, smokejumpers and a large 2,500-gallon skidgen are working to locate and extinguish hot spots moving southward. A “hotshot” crew was flown into Tucker Creek yesterday, focusing on constructing safe firelines by tying into existing roads and trails to prevent eastward spread.

On the southern side, firefighters have completed approximately two miles of fireline along the Big Hole River north of Toomey Creek. Crews will continue to secure these lines, “mopping-up” residual heat. Two hotshot crews and two skidgens will also work on upgrades to previous control lines from the 2021 Alder Creek fire footprint, removing fuels and mitigating snag hazards near Sawlog Creek.

A dry cold front arriving today is expected to keep temperatures steady with minimal chances of rain, although erratic winds up to 40 mph may produce severe fire behavior, especially when aligned with drainages. Fuel conditions remain extremely dry, and fire activity could reach moderate to extreme levels.

Important Safety Updates:  

• The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area at the Big Hole River ford site. Details are available on the InciWeb page.

• A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area to ensure safety. Firefighting aircraft operate in restricted airspace; drone activity in the area is prohibited as it poses a safety hazard and could impede suppression efforts.

• The fire footprint from the 2021 Alder Fire is located east of the current fire, with the Christensen Fire footprint to the south.

Fire officials continue prioritizing firefighter safety and the protection of life and property during these critical operations.