Progress Continues On The Sawlog Fire With Increased Acreage And Ongoing Operations

WISER RIVER, MT – An infrared (IR) flight conducted last night mapped the fire perimeter and confirmed heat remains throughout the area. Based on improved mapping accuracy, the estimated size of the fire has increased to approximately 1,834 acres. The IR flight also verified that heat persists across the entire fire footprint, excluding the roughly 200-acre interior “donut hole” of unburned fuels.

Strategic firing operations were completed yesterday in the interior “donut hole” on the north side of Sawlog Creek. Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), firefighters lit and burned fuels between the uncontrolled fire edge and existing control lines on the eastern flank. Today, firefighters plan to continue strategic firing on the south side of Sawlog Creek to reduce available fuels between the uncontrolled edge and control line.

Crews also completed fireline just north of Tucker Creek from the south side, with fire suppression teams working along the existing fireline. Support includes two skidgen units conducting mop-up operations south along the fire boundary, with multiple smokejumpers and hotshot crews assisting on the eastern flank. Helicopters continue to deliver supplies to keep crews operational and well-equipped.

Firefighters are actively checking and cold-trailing along the western and northern edges, extinguishing hot spots. A boat is being used to ferry personnel across the Big Hole River on the fire’s west side. This work will continue into the coming days to secure and improve containment lines.

Weather conditions today and tomorrow are expected to be challenging, with strong southwest winds and afternoon thunderstorms likely to produce gusts exceeding 35 mph. Sunday could bring continued high winds, with a low chance of precipitation, but any rain is expected to be minimal.

Public Safety & 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 remain focused on firefighter safety, protecting live and property safety, and working toward full containment.