West Mullan Fire team focuses on securing fire to protect the community
Fire Update:
Last night crews continued control and cooling hotspots along the southern and southwest sections of the fire. Engines and hoses remained present around buildings to provide structure protect throughout the night along Flat Creek and Mullan Road. Acreage grew little over the night. Mutual Aid Engines provided support to the Superior Volunteer Fire Department with structure protection and were applauded by the public meeting last night driving through town at the end of their shift.
Today’s Operation: Continue structure protection, cooling out hotspots on the line adjacent to Superior, and monitoring fire activity along Mullan Road and in Flat Creek. Removal of hazardous trees and vegetation along Keystone Creek Road will be done to prepare for possible burnout operations. Crews will also be working along the ridge between Keystone and Pardee Creeks constructing fireline. Dozers and hand crews will work along the northwest section of the fire constructing line. Crews will finish preparing line for any required burnout operations in Wood Gulch. Air operations will continue to support fire suppression efforts.
The team’s focus for the near term is primarily to secure the western and eastern sections of the fire to achieve containment and continue protection for the community.
Warm and dry weather conditions with little humidity recovery continue today and into the weekend. Winds will be from the west and northwest primarily with gusts up to 15mph at ridgetops. The fire continues to be weather and topography driven and fire activity is expected to increase during the day. Expect an increase of smoke during the day.
Closures: Clark Fork River remains closed to the public from Big Eddy Fishing access to Slowey Campground. Vista Trail just north of Superior has been closed to public access.
Evacuations: Traffic control is in place on the bridge in Superior crossing the Clark Fork River restricting access to the north. Pardee Road, East Pardee Road, West Mullan Road, Flat Creek Road, East Mullan Road to Big Eddy Fishing Access site, LaVista Road, and Keystone Road are under mandatory evacuation. An evacuation center has been established at the Superior Elementary School by the American Red Cross.
Special Concerns:
New fire starts! Fully extinguish campfires. The public is asked to stay clear of the helicopter dip site for their safety. Residents are reminded that periods of heavy smoke may be a health hazard and are advised to limit their exposure. About 150 residences are threatened by the fire, but no structures have been damaged.
More Information: Visit Inciweb at www.inciweb.org, email westmullanfire@gmail.com or call fire information 406-649-9032. A community meeting is scheduled for Friday evening at 8:00 p.m. at the Mineral County Courthouse in Superior.