Sawlog Fire Update

WISER RIVER, MT – Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity levels contributed to limited fire activity yesterday, with fire behavior restricted to creeping and smoldering. The area received between 0.10 and 0.30 inches of recent precipitation, but despite this, heavy fuels continues to smolder across the landscape.

Fire behavior is expected to increase as forecasted warmer and drier conditions develop over the coming days.

On the western edge, crews are continuing structure assessments along the Highway 43 corridor, with a boat supporting efforts to access the fire across the Big Hole River amid high-water conditions.

Along the northern flank and extending south, smokejumpers identified helispot locations and performed reconnaissance, scouting potential control lines and opportunities for direct attack in the Tucker Creek area. A large skidgen has arrived to assist with water missions supporting the wildfire suppression efforts.

On the southern perimeter, firefighters are progressing east from the Big Hole River along Toomey Creek, conducting mop-up operations. Two Type 1 hotshot crews are preparing containment lines toward the 2021 Alder Creek Fire footprint.

Helicopters continue to support firefighting through cargo missions, and a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) is assisting with infrared and reconnaissance flights over inaccessible areas with hazard trees and snags. Infrared flights yesterday detected scattered heat around the entire perimeter.

Forecasts project temperatures to return to the high 70s and low 80s through the week and into the weekend. A dry cold front moving across the area Thursday morning will bring gusty westerly winds, potentially increasing fire activity.

Fire officials emphasize that ensuring firefighter safety and safeguarding lives and property remain top priorities. During the previous days, fire behavior ranged from moderate to extreme, with 3-5 foot flame lengths in sagebrush and isolated torching, group torching, and crown runs in timbered areas. Extreme fire behavior was noted when winds aligned with drainages, driven by extremely dry fuels typical of this pre-green-up period.