Fire in the Gravellys
Lobo Mesa Wildfire
A wildfire is burning over 50 acres in the southern Gravelly Mountains.
The fire started Sept. 12 around 11 a.m. from unknown reasons, according to a Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest press release. Area closures are being considered as of Sept. 15.
The remote area makes it difficult for firefighters to access the fire. Helicopters are dropping direct buckets on new spot fires developing in places where topography aligns with prevailing winds, according to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Public Affairs Officer Cydney Janssen. Management action points are being established, which will implement actions based on identified landmarks as the fire grows.
According to Madison County’s Fire Warden Joe Brummell, winds have pushed the fire north. Brummell said that a northern cold front is expected to swoop in on Saturday. The front’s moisture could reduce the fire’s activity.
The wildfire is burning a mixture of conifers and beetle killed timber as well as dead and down trees, according the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest press release.