West Mullan Fire day 7: Blaze drops to 5,230 acres
<p>A helicopter takes in water from the Clark Fork River to fight the West Mullan Fire.</p>
(UPDATED: Saturday at 8 p.m.)
SUPERIOR – The West Mullan Fire continues to burn, however, firefighters have brought the size of the fire down to 5,230 acres with a 30 percent containment.
In the seventh day of the fire, the press release stated area closures and evacuation orders are still in place as crews continue to take on the fire.
West Mullan road is now open to the public east of Sunflower Lane but west of Sunflower Lane is open to residents only. Flat Creek Road within Superior city limits and East Mullan Road is open, however, Big Eddy Fishing Access remains closed at this time.
As expected the fire remained active throughout Friday night due to hot and dry conditions. Rolling debris caused several small spot fires in some Flat Creek sections, which crews continued to work on.
Crews worked continually throughout the night, constructing a fire line with full perimeter control as the main objective and monitored the fire activity along Mullan Road and Flat Creek.
Crews diligently worked on structure protection – a process they will continue and cooled hotspots on the fire line adjacent to the town of Superior.
Tonight those fighting the flames will implement burn outs on the west, northwest and northeast areas of the fire. The work is complicated and is situated in extremely difficult terrain.
The press release states the fire will reach Keystone Creek tonight and the northern edge of the fire will continue to travel through the BPA power line area.
Today the team worked on isolated single and group tree torching on the fire’s edge.
Even with the progress made, the fire was estimated to be even more active during the night due to the critical fire weather.
The press release also stated that the public is encouraged to stay watchful of rolling debris that may come off the mountain.
Although many roads, which were closed earlier are now open, closures can be found on Iron Mountain Trail 242 or the Cascade Falls Trail from above the falls to the intersection of Forest Service Road 97 and National Forest System Trial 51 or Ninemile Divide trial from the beginning at the intersection with NFSR 582 Section 3, T17N, R25W to the intersection with NFSR 536 Section 30, T17N, R24W.
New closures include all Forest Service lands within the Sloway Campground. The Clark Fork River remains closed to the public from Big Eddy Fishing access to Sloway Campground. Vista Trail north of Superior is also closed to public access.
The American Red Cross evacuation center at the Superior Elementary School is still open but is scheduled to close on Monday, July 22.
The press release warns travelers that travel on area roads is one of the most hazardous issues for fire traffic because smoke and dust conditions decrease the visibility. It warns travelers to limit their travels in the fire area and to remain aware of their surroundings.