Fire crews on the Missoula Ranger District responded to two newly discovered wildfires burning in steep, rugged terrain within the Rock Creek drainage. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Butte Cabin Fire, located about one mile northeast of the Butte Cabin Trailhead, has grown to approximately two acres. The Miller Gulch Fire, situated roughly 2.5 miles southwest of the same trailhead, is estimated at a quarter acre in size. Both fires were spotted during initial attack efforts on two previously known fires.
Aviation resources were used Sunday to assess the new starts and conduct water bucket drops to slow their spread. Ground crews are expected to hike into both areas Monday to begin suppression efforts on the ground. Meanwhile, firefighters also responded to the Dalles Fire, located about four miles north of Quigg Peak. The blaze is smallโabout 0.2 acres. Rappellers worked throughout the day using bucket drops and are expected to continue tomorrow. Crews have fully contained the Lavina Fire, which burned one acre about twelve miles southeast of Stevensville and three miles west of Rock Creek.
