Progress Continues On Sawlog Fire: Containment Up To 30%
- May 9
- 2 min read
WISER RIVER, MT – Containment of the Sawlog Fire has increased to 30 percent as firefighters advance along the northern, southern, and western edges. While progress is steady, some residual heat remains along Sawlog Creek’s sides and in isolated hotspots inside the burn area.
Today, firefighters plan to execute strategic firing operations on approximately 200 acres, creating a “donut hole” on both sides of Sawlog Creek. This tactic targets the high concentration of unburned fuels in the dead and downed timber, aiming to reduce the risk of further spread. A combination of hand and aerial ignitions, supported by Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology, will be used.
On the southern flank, crews will continue to secure and hold lines, hot-spotting residual heat from the Big Hole River northward towards Sawlog Creek. Heavy equipment will soon be used to construct firelines directly adjacent to the fire’s edge from Sawlog Creek toward Tucker Creek.
In the north, smokejumpers and hotshot crews are patrolling containment lines and mopping up hotspots south toward Tucker Creek. A helicopter continues to support firefighting efforts with cargo missions on the eastern flank.
Crews will also focus on cold trailing and hot spotting along the entire western perimeter, working to reinforce and improve containment lines over the coming days.
Last night’s higher humidity helped limit fire behavior, but warmer and drier conditions are expected today with only a small chance of showers or thunderstorms. Gusty southwest winds up to 25 mph are forecasted in the afternoon. Saturday may bring scattered showers and isolated storms with gusts exceeding 35 mph, followed by similar conditions on Sunday with gusts over 30 mph.
Safety and Closures:
The Fishtrap Creek Fishing Access Site on the Big Hole River is closed from Mudd Creek Bridge to Sportsman’s Park due to fire activity.
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 Sawlog Fire Page.
Fire officials emphasize that firefighter safety and the protection of life and property remain their top priorities during this ongoing incident.
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