Missoula, Mont., August 27, 2024 —Progress on the Miller Peak Fire has prompted Forest officials to reopen more of the fire area to the public. The previous Area and Road Closure #24-018-Lolo-D3 has been lifted and been replaced with Area and Road Closure #24-020-Lolo-D3.
In the last month, the fire area has received approximately 1.5 inches of precipitation, and subsequently, the fire was declared 100 percent contained on Monday, August 20. While beneficial to fire containment, these rain events have also caused erosion and additional road damage. The continued closure is necessary to ensure public and staff safety while suppression repair work is conducted.
The closure is expected to remain in effect until all suppression repair work is complete, which could take several weeks, depending on resource availability and environmental conditions. Crews plan to work with heavy equipment, possibly starting this week, to repair dozer lines and other suppression damage. Additionally, high severity fire impacts, particularly in the Plant Creek drainage, have led to increased runoff from steep hillslopes, erosion, and a high potential for debris flow (picture attached). Repair work will also be required in these areas.
“We have heard from many people that they’re grateful for the efforts we put into responding to this fire, but they’re eager to get back into this area, particularly as hunting season approaches,” said Crystal Stonesifer, Missoula District Ranger. “We still have a lot of work to do, but 100 percent containment allows us to scale back the closure area providing public access to previously closed areas. We appreciate the public’s continued patience as we work towards reopening the entire impacted area soon.”
Be aware of potential changes in any post-fire landscape. There is a higher degree of hazards that may last over many years. Dead trees will continue to fall, and washouts and debris flows may occur after heavy rains.
To view the signed closure order and map, please visit us at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices.
For more information about the Lolo National Forest, please visit the website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo or follow updates on Facebook and X.
About the Forest Service: The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages the 193 million acres of National Forest System land, provides stewardship assistance to non-federal forest landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.
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