Crews Make Progress Containing Fire in Bob Marshall Wilderness

Crews are working to contain a fire burning in the eastern end of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

The Elk Hill fire has consumed 1,086 acres on the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The fire is burning near lower North Fork Sun River, southeast of the Forest Service cabin on Cabin Creek. It is burning in grass and within the perimeter of a wildfire from 2005. It recently moved into stands of mature Douglas fir but fire crews have been able to contain 60 percent of the blaze’s perimeter.

An initial investigation by the U.S. Forest Service has determined the fire started last weekend by a warming campfire.

Forty-five personnel are battling the fire and suppression efforts are taking place on the north an east edges of the fire. Air resources are also working the fire.

Although the weather is warm, this fire is primarily fuels-driven with potential for continued rapid spread, according to forest officials.

The fire has forced the closure of four trails:

–North Fork Sun River Trail #201 from jct. with #268 north to jct. with #231.1 (northwest of Cabin Creek Cabin);

–Circle Creek Trail #231 from jct. with #201 north to #231.1 and southeast to jct. with #208;

–Cabin Creek Admin. Connector #231.1 closed in its entirety;

–Circle Creek Connector #268.1 closed in its entirety.