KPAX.com

Hamilton- The Bitterroot National Forest announced it lifted the emergency closure for the Saddle Complex Fire on the West Fork Ranger District.

The closure, which took effect on August 24,… Click to Read More and see additional updates

Hamilton- The Bitterroot National Forest announced it lifted the emergency closure for the Saddle Complex Fire on the West Fork Ranger District.

The closure, which took effect on August 24, will re-open a number roads and trails south of Painted Rocks Reservoir on Thursday, September 29. Those roads and trails include Hughes Creek Road # 9630, Thunder Mountain Trail #95, Chicken Creek Trail #138, Razorback Mountain Trail #106, trails #139 and #614. Other areas that will re-open include the loop between Horse Creek Pass and Woods Creek Pass, Horse Creek Hot Springs, and Spring Creek Road #38 to Shoup, Idaho.

Three roads remain closed on the Idaho side of the fire in the Salmon-Challis National Forest including road #65 from Horse Creek Hot Springs to Gattin Ranch, the road to Blue Nose Lookout and the Colson Creek Road #123 at the junction with roads #38 and #44.

Fire managers advise caution for those when returning to these areas. They say there are still numerous hazards that pose a risk including falling snags or trees, open flames, rolling rocks and debris, limited visibility from smoke and holes from burned out stumps. Fire crews and equipment are still working in the areas.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team from the Bitterroot National Forest was on-site this week assessing the needs for restoration actions. Among other things, the team will recommend future treatments to help prevent erosion, the spread of invasive weeds, and improve drainage and roads.

HAMILTON- Fire crews are geared up for more work this weekend as they try and keep a handle on the largest blaze in the region this year, the 32,000 Saddle Complex Fire on the Montana-Idaho border.

The fires, which were started by lightning last month, have been less active over the past week because of cooler temperatures and higher humidity.

However, a return to temperatures climbing into the 80s and drier conditions are expected to increase fire activity through the weekend.

Bitterroot and Salmon/Challis National Forest fire managers have firefighters working to make firelines stronger to keep the potential for the fire's growth in Montana "low" and only "medium" on the Idaho side.

In Montana, where the fire has burned over 15,000 acres, firefighters continue to strengthen and hold fire lines in the northeast corner of the fire between Woods Creek and Devil Creek and north of Woods Creek in the lower portion of the drainage.

Fire managers say most of the fire activity continues to be slowly moving surface fire, although some single and group tree torching may occur in areas as the fire activity increases.

A helicopter is available to do water drops to cool hot spot, where it can be safely and effectively done. Fire crews and engines are also patrolling the fire perimeter to mop up hot spots. A chipper is being used to reduce woody fuels along Beaver Creek Road.

The area closure around the fire remains in place for public and firefighter safety.

HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fire is holding at a little over 32,300 acres as it continues to burn in southern Ravalli County and neighboring Lemhi County Idaho.

Left over moisture from the storm on Thursday night and high relative humidity has been helping to keep the fire smoldering and creeping with minimal smoke.

Additional crews and equipment are scheduled to be released from the blaze Monday with a team from the Bitterroot National Forest taking over management of the blaze that was sparked by lightning on August 10th.

The Forest has lifted the Closure Order for the area between the Squaw Creek road, west to the Spring Creek road, with a south boundary of the Salmon River road and a north boundary of the Idaho/Montana border. The remainder of the closure area is still in effect.

There are over 175 people still assigned to the blaze along with five engines and three helicopters.

(photo courtesy inciweb.org)

HAMILTON- Thursday night's significant season slowing rain and thunderstorm has helped to caml the fire behavior on the Saddle Complex Fire that's smoldering and burning heavy down and dead fuels.

The Complex is comprised of two fires, the Saddle and Stud Fires, which have reached a total of 32,365 acres.

Fire crews removed hose, sprinklers, pumps, heliwells and port-a-tanks from the fire and hauled it to fire camp. The Trapper Creek Job Corps camp crew rolled five miles of hose brought in from the fire. The Job Corps crew also transported a large truck full of recycled plastic, paper and aluminum to a recycling center Missoula.

Saturday, crews will complete fireline rehabilitation on six miles of line. Hazard trees will be cut along roads in the fire area. Fire personnel assigned to the fire considered excess resources will be demobilized.

HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fire is holding at just over 32,300 acres as it burns away in the southern Bitterroot Valley and adjacent Lemhi County Idaho.

Fire officials say they were helped on Thursday when the predicted strong gusty winds did not materialize.

Clouds, cooler temperatures, light winds and a higher relative humidity are limiting active fire behavior and the area surrounding the blaze received between 0.3 inch and 0.66 inch of rain overnight.

Helicopters are still dropping water on the northeast and east edge of the fire to limit fire spread toward the West Fork of the Bitterroot River and to keep the fire from becoming established in Deer Creek according to the Bitterroot National Forest's Tod McKay.

The Forest has lifted the Closure Order for the area between the Squaw Creek Road, west to the Spring Creek Road, with a south boundary of the Salmon River Road and a north boundary
of the Idaho/Montana border. The remainder of the closure area is still in effect.

The Saddle Complex fire was sparked by lightning in Idaho on August 10th and spread into Ravalli County on August 22nd. There are still 235 people assigned to battle the blazes.

HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fires have now burned over 32,000 acres in the Southern Bitterroot Valley and adjacent Lemhi County Idaho. Over 235 people are still assigned to the blazes along with 11 engines and three helicopters.

Fire managers report that the fire is still torching trees, but is primarily slowly moving surface fire as crews continued to try and strengthen the firelines as well as complete the hoselays and sprinkler systems in the northeast corner of the fire between Woods Creek and Devil Creek in preparation for Thursday's predicted winds.

The historic Alta Ranger Station will be wrapped Thursday with aluminum fire shield material as a preventative measure to protect it so crews will be available for structure protection during the wind event according to Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest.

Three rural fire engines along with one agency engine, will be activated and staged at the Painted Rocks Fire Department, or near homes, for increased protection of private property as a precaution for the predicted wind events.

Stage 1 fire restrictions, prohibiting campfires, with certain exceptions, and prohibiting smoking, except in a vehicle, building, developed site or three feet diameter cleared area, remain in effect in portions of the Bitterroot National Forest that lie within Montana, except the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, AP wilderness and developed sites listed in the closure order.

(photo courtesy inciweb.org)

HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fires burning in the southern Bitterroot Valley and adjacent Lemhi County Idaho have now consumed nearly 31,400 acres.

Fire officials say that smoke cleared sooner on Monday than anticipated, which meant there was some more active burning in the areas of the fire that are still holding heat. While single torching trees were observed in limited areas, most of the fire activity consisted of slowly moving surface fire.

Two isolated areas of the fire saw some small uphill runs of active crown fire for short periods during in late afternoon according to Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest.

Helicopters dropped water near Dear Creek Point to keep the fire from becoming established in the Deer Creek drainage and choppers also dumped water on the east edge of the fire to check fire spread toward the West Fork of the Bitterroot River.

Fire managers caution that fire activity could increase slightly on Tuesday due to clearer skies and continued warm and dry conditions, but no big fire runs are anticipated.

A hoselay and sprinkler system from Coopers Meadow south to the junction of Forest Roads #5677 and #5676 is being done to keep the fire west of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River.

There are 234 people still working the lightning-sparked Saddle Complex fires that roared to life on September 10th.

(photo courtesy inciweb.org)

HAMILTON - The Saddle Complex fires have grown to 30,511 acres. 14,899 of the burning acres are in the Bitterroot National Forest.

In Montana, the Stage 1 Evacuation was lifted for all homes south of Painted Rocks Reservoir last Sunday. However, if fire activity increases and causes a threat to private property, the evacuation warning could be re-instated.

Helicopters continued to drop water on hot spots on the northeast corner and eastern side of the fire Friday, in late morning, after the inversion lifted.

Helicopter operations prefer visibility of two miles. Over one-half million gallons of water have been used on helicopter bucket drops, to date, on this fire. These helicopter actions are successfully slowing the spread of the fire towards the West Fork of the Bitterroot River and keeping it from establishing in the Deer Creek drainage.

Water hose lays and firelines were completed in preparation of a planned burnout in Coopers meadow. The burnout will occur when weather and fire behavior conditions are favorable. Water hose-lays and sprinklers will be set up along Woods Creek Rd. 5669 to the west and Salt Creek Rd. 091 to the south, from the junction of these roads, in order to hold the fire from crossing these roads.

The Smoke Monitoring Station near Painted Rocks Reservoir indicates unhealthy sensitive to good air quality for the last 24 hours. On-line access to real-time smoke monitoring for the local area is available here, once on the site select real time data, location Montana.

HAMILTON- The hot and dry weather is continuing to fuel the Saddle Complex fires in the southern Bitterroot Valley with officials reporting that over 30,000 acres have now burned.

Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest reports that the blaze did not make any big runs on Thursday and everything is holding, despite the increase in acreage burned.

The fires kept creeping and smoldering Thursday while hot spots on the northeast edge of the fire were kept in check thanks to helicopters performing water drops. Smoke inversion continued throughout most of the day covering the fire area.

McKay says helicopters will be used to keep the fire from becoming established in Deer Creek and keep it on the north side of Woods Creek on Friday. Crews will also continue to secure the Salt Creek Forest Road 091 in the Devils Creek area removing brush and fuels in case it is needed for holding the fire in the future.

There are over 250 people assigned to the fire along with 13 engines and three helicopters. The Saddle Complex fires were sparked in Lemhi County Idaho by lightning on August 10th.

The previously reported area closures are still in effect on both the Bitterroot and Salmon-Challis National Forests.

HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fires have added a few hundred more acres as the blaze continues to burn in the southern Bitterroot Valley and Lemhi County Idaho.

Fire officials report that at last check around 29,600 acres have burned as nearly 250 personnel continue to fight the lightning-sparked fires which broke out on August 10th.

Even though the Stage 1 Evacuation order has been lifted for all homes south of Painted Rocks Reservoir, officials caution that if fire activity increases and causes a threat to private property, the evacuation warning could be re-instated.

The weather conditions are expected to remain dry and warm, resulting in moderate fire activity. The blaze has been active in the northeast corner in Devils Creek, but was kept in check with helicopter water drops.

Meanwhile, fire crews on the southeast edge in the upper West Fork drainage knocked down hot spots aided by helicopter support.

The most active spots were on the north edge of the fire in upper Woods Creek, below Deer Creek Point.

Firefighters are still watching the fire activity and putting out hot spots that could be a threat in the future.

The Saddle Complex fire reached 28,475 acres Wednesday and is still 0% contained.

The fire threatens 20 residences and one person has been injured in the fire. 3 helicopters and 13 engines are on scene.

The weather is expected to stay dry and warm over the next couple days. This could result in continued, moderate, fire activity.

Air quality remains at 'moderate'.

For more information on air quality CLICK HERE and the fire itself CLICK HERE.

HAMILTON- Fire officials say that the Saddle Complex fires burning in the souther Bitterroot Valley saw some "moderate" growth on Labor Day, adding about 240 acres. But, most of the fire activity happened inside the firelines.

Fire managers lifted the Stage 1 Evacuation for all homes south of Painted Rocks Reservoir over the weekend, but warn that if the fire activity increases and causes a threat to private property, the evacuation warning could be re-instated.

Helicopter water drops are being used in the Devils Creek area to keep the fire backing consistently down the hill while crews are still monitoring the fire activity and suppressing hot spots to reduce the risk of large spreads.

Crews plan to spend the next few days looking for hot spots and reducing fuels along the West Fork Road and some personnel have been released from the scene.

The lightning-sparked blaze kicked to life on August 10th and has burned a little over 27,500 acres in southern Ravalli County and border Lemhi County Idaho.

HAMILTON- Firefighters are still trying to corral the Saddle Complex fires that are burning over 27,000 acres west of Hamilton.

Over 240 people are assigned to battle the fires which were sparked by lightning in Lemhi County Idaho on August 10th.

While the fires held fairly steady over the weekend, they are still 0% contained and fire officials say that around 60 residences remain threatened by the blazes.

However, fire officials announced Monday morning that they've decided to remove the Stage 1 Evacuation for all the affected homes south of Painted Rocks.

Fire officials say while the blaze is still dangerous and has the ability to make substantial runs, fire managers have decided the risks have dropped enough that there is no longer a high probability of having to evacuate these residences.

Firefighters will continue monitoring the perimeter and putting out burning that could put protection areas at risk as smoke billows over parts of the Bitterroot Valley.

Several trails and roads remain closed in the fire area.

(photo courtesy inciweb.org)

HAMILTON. - The Saddle Complex fires burning in the southern Bitterroot Valley are threatening 60 residences, but haven't destroyed any at this point.

The Complex was comprised of two fires - the Saddle and Stud Fires - which merged on August 22nd into one fire which is burning on the Salmon-Challis and Bitterroot National Forests in Lemhi County, Idaho, and Ravalli County, Montana. Portions of the fire are within the Frank-Church River of No Return Wilderness.

In Montana there was little change in the fire size Friday despite the westerly winds. Protection and contingency lines held although there are still hot spots and torching of groups of trees in the fire area.

Firefighters continue to build line in strategic locations in the Woods Creek area and the south and southeast portions of the fire to prevent spread toward private property. Crews also were monitoring for hot spots and spotting near the fire perimeter.

The helicopter dropped several buckets of water on a spot in an unburned portion of Woods Creek and hand crews will follow up with putting the spot out. Saturday winds are expected to be light, 3 mph to 5 mph on the ridges, which may cause smoke in the valleys but moderate fire behavior. Crews will continue with building protection lines and mopping up the fire perimeter.

Although fire activity has decreased, and fall temperatures and humidity are returning, there is still the chance of increased activity for several weeks. The current work focuses on securing the fire area to allow the fire to burn but contain its movement based on topography, private property and other values.

The Smoke Monitoring Station near Painted Rocks Reservoir indicates good air quality for the last 24 hours.

HAMILTON- Fire officials report that the Saddle Complex fires burning in the southern Bitterroot Valley saw little growth on Thursday and a total of 26,415 acres have burned so far.

Firefighters spent most of the day on patrol handling hot spots close to the fire perimeter and report that a lot of progress was made today building contingency lines.

The protection line to Blue Nose lookout was completed and Beaver Creek Road is being opened to allow access for safety and suppression activities. Roads southeast of the fire are also being opened to aid in suppression if it were needed.

Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest reports that mew protection lines were begun in the Woods Creek area between old harvest units to break up the continuous tree crowns to prevent future fire spread.

There is some concern that anticipate west winds may cause some areas to burn that were not exposed during the southwest winds. Helicopters will be available to assist ground crews if fire spread or spotting occurs.

Structure protection measures are nearly in place and McKay says many of the rural fire engines have been released from the scene.

There are still 285 personnel assigned to the blaze that was sparked by lightning on August 10th. Several areas in and near the fire are closed off to the public, including hunters who will be hitting the woods Saturday (see related story).

HAMILTON- Hunters will be hitting the woods this weekend as bow hunting season starts up in Montana, but those planning to head into the Bitterroot has better plan to find some spots closed off.

The Bitterroot National Forest is issuing a reminder that fire activity associated with the Fox Peak, 41 Complex and Saddle Complex fires means that hunting will be off limits in some spots.

The Fox Peak and 41 Complex fires are burning in the Sapphire Mountains east of Hamilton on the Darby Ranger District. The Saddle Complex fire is burning south of Painted Rocks Reservoir on the West Fork Ranger District and in Idaho on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. All of the fires were lightning-caused.

"These closures are in place to protect both the public and our firefighters," said Forest Supervisor Julie King. "There is a lot of traffic right now in these areas including engines, fire personnel and helicopters dropping water on hot spots. Fire activity will likely increase this weekend and early next week, so we're asking hunters to please respect these closures."

A closure order for the Fox Peak fire includes the area south of Signal Rock and includes trails # 313, 156, and 513. Trails # 8018 and 8019 on the Pintler Ranger District on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest are also closed.

The only closure at this time on the 41 Complex fire is road # 714 Gird Road, off Skalkaho Highway which provides access to the Gird Point area.

The Saddle Complex Fire which has grown to nearly 26,000 acres is burning in both Montana and Idaho. It includes a large closure area south of Hughes Creek Road # 9630 and includes trails # 95, 138, 106, 139 and 614. There are additional closures in Idaho on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

For more information about the closures and to view closure area maps click here. Hunters and visitors are also being encouraged to contact the Darby Ranger District at (406) 82.-3913 for the latest information on the 41 Complex and Fox Peak fires and the West Fork Ranger District (406) 821.3269 for information about the Saddle Complex fire.

HAMILTON- Fire officials report that the Wednesday's cooler weather has helped to slow the spread of the Saddle Complex fires burning the southern Bitterroot Valley.

The blaze held pretty steady Wednesday and has burned nearly 26,000 acres in the Bitterroot National Forest and adjoining Salmon-Challis in Lemhi County, Idaho.

Fire managers say that the change in weather should give firefighters a chance to make more progress securing strategic areas while also reducing the chance of the blaze spreading when the winds pick up again.

A fireline toward the old Blue Nose Lookout was built on Wednesday and ground crews have been working on clearing old roads east of Beaver Creek and toward Horse Creek Pass so they can be accessed if they're needed for fire suppression efforts.

Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest reports that four helicopters will be available to support ground crews on Wednesday and that fire managers are preparing for the expected arrival of a dry cold front that's is expected by the end of the week which could produce windy conditions.

More than 275 people are assigned to the Saddle Complex fires and 67 residences are still considered to be threatened. Fire officials have also completed setting up a fire camp.

(photo courtesy inciweb.org)

HAMILTON- Firefighters battling the Saddle Complex fires in the Southern Bitterroot Valley got a break from Mother Nature on Tuesday after predicted high winds failed to materialize.

The weather allowed crews to keep strengthening the firelines on the over 25,000 acre blaze that's burning in the Bitterroot National Forest and Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Progress was made in strengthening the lines in Woods Creek area with hand crews and helicopter water drops as well as with water drops on the western flank of the fire west of the West Fork.

Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest reports that crews have begun building fireline as a protection line from Beaver Creek Road to the unmanned Blue Nose lookout in an effort to reduce the chance of fire spread from the southeast which has the potential to move to the east and then hook north.

Fire managers say they expect to make good progress with the expected precipitation and cooler temperatures. Four helicopters will be available to support ground crews.

Authorities say that just in case, many area residences have improved their defensible space; water tanks, sprinklers, evacuation plans and other precautionary measures have been put in place to react quickly if needed. Some 67 residences remain threatened by the blaze.

Over 200 personnel are assigned to fight the fire along with four helicopters and 13 engines. Numerous trail and road closures remain in effect in the fire area.

HAMILTON- Fire officials managing the Saddle Complex fire burning in the Southern Bitterroot are bracing for an expected uptick in winds on Tuesday afternoon.

While the blaze that's burning in the Bitterroot National forest and adjacent Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho has held steady at just under 24,000 acres burned, red flag warnings have been issued in Montana, which could cause the fire to flare up again Tuesday.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Ravalli County portion of the blaze from 3 p.m. Tuesday until midnight. Forecasters are warning that despite increased humidity and cooler temperatures, stiff winds and thunderstorms are predicted which could increase the fire's movement.

Meanwhile, Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest says firefighters were are to build firelines in "strategic locations on the north side of Woods Creek". Crews plan to spend the bulk of Tuesday's efforts to try and hold that line as well as to mop up any hot spots in the area.

Firefighters will also be scouting the fire area for new spots to build lines to increase their ability to control fire, but fire managers caution that rough terrain is still limiting where lines can safely be built.

Helicopter water drops are still being used in the fire control and mop-up activities and crews plan to start building a fireline southeast of the blaze to protect the area in the event that winds push the fire in that direction.

While that area has already been controlled with the help of helicopter water drops, fire managers believe additional fire lines will improve the ability to control the fire in a large wind event.

There are still 67 residences and two commercial properties threatened by the massive fire and additional sprinklers and other mitigation and protection activities are being put in place to protect them.

The firefighting efforts have been hampered by difficult terrain with a lot of lodgepole pine trees dead and dying from mountain pine beetle.

There are still 190 people assigned to the Saddle Complex fires, being aided by four helicopters and 13 engines. The blaze was sparked by lightning in Idaho on August 10th and is still considered to be 0% contained.

(photo courtesy icniweb.org)

HAMILTON- A public meeting has been set for Tuesday morning to discuss the ongoing efforts to battle the Saddle Complex fries that are burning in southern Ravalli County along the Idaho border.

The blazes have burned nearly 24,000 acres in the Bitterroot and Salmon-Challis national forests and continue to pour smoke into the Bitterroot.

Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest says the meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the Painted Rocks Fire Station, where fire incident commanders Diane Hutton and Charles Scripps will discuss the firefighting efforts.

Nearly 200 personnel along with three helicopters and 13 engines are aiding in the fight. There are still 67 residences and two commercial properties threatened by the lightning-sparked blaze which blew up last week.

Fire officials did not conduct a planned burn-out Sunday afternoon when thunderclouds started forming over the fire area.

Due to the thunderstorms the amount of smoke in the valleys will be greatly decreased on Monday with the Smoke Monitoring Station near Painted Rocks Reservoir indicating moderate air quality.

Over 13,000 acres of the Saddle Complex fires are burning in the Bitterroot National Forest and last week Stage 1 evacuations orders went into effect for about 50 homes south of Painted Rocks.

Ravalli County Sheriff's Department deputies also notified about 11 property owners they may have to evacuate.

DARBY- Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are giving firefighters on the Montana-Idaho border exactly what they want, namely slower growth of the 23,000 acre Saddle Complex fires.

The blazes, which exploded in high winds a week ago, were started by lightning in Idaho a few weeks ago and have since spread over the Bitterroot Divide into Montana.

Fire managers say moderating conditions helped to calm the fire's behavior Saturday, although the higher humidity meant more of the smoke was trapped overnight in the valleys.

In Montana, crews are being assisted by helicopter water and retardant drops to try and control the spread of the fire along Woods Creek into Deer Creek. Plans were to set a backfire Sunday to break the continuous line of trees and brush that have been helping the fire to spread.

On the eastern flank of the fire, the blaze continues to make short uphill runs with helicopters working to keep the blaze on the west side of the West Fork of the Bitterroot and away from cabins.

On the Idaho side, the fire has been growing gradually in all directions but activity has been "limited".

Contact Dennis Bragg

DARBY- There's some good news to report from the scene of the Saddle Complex fires straddling the Montana-Idaho border, where the largest fires in the western half of the state are showing "gradual growth".

The Saddle Complex fire started on the Idaho side of the Bitterroot Divide just over a week ago, when high winds fanned some smaller lightning-caused fires to about 500-acres.

But hot temperatures and strong winds caused the fires to "blow up" to nearly 20,000 acres on Monday, expanding over the border and threatening cabins on the West Fork of the Bitterroot.

The blaze has now scorched near 23,000 acres and there is no containment. But fire managers report fire behavior has been "mild" the past 24 hours.

The fire continues to grow slowly in all directions in both states as nearly 200 firefighters are in place on both the Bitterroot and Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Sixty seven homes and two commercial businesses are still considered "threatened" by the fire and people living in the area remain under a Stage 1 Evacuation order, which advises them to stay updated on the latest conditions.

Roads and trails throughout the area southwest of Painted Rocks Reservoir remain closed.

Contact Dennis Bragg

DARBY- The Saddle Complex fire isn't the first hazard to hit many of the pine trees in the Bitterroot National Forest.

Many trees are already dead from a mountain pine beetle infestation - and it's not just the brown ones. U.S. Forest Service silviculturist Glenda Scott examined one tree stand in the Bitterroot National Forest a few miles away from where the fire is burning.

"The green trees that we see around here, a lot of them also have the pitch tubes and so those trees have been hit, likely successfully, on a good number of these green trees and those will be browning up next summer if not before," Scott said.

Dead trees don't necessarily mean a greater chance of fire starting in the forest, but they can change a fire's behavior once it's burning.

"They are seeing some more intense fire behavior where there is especially a lot of red needles, those flashy fuels," Scott said.

But even the green trees recently infested make ideal fire fuel.

"They are probably as dangerous as trees that appear dead," she said. "So the tree knows it's dead, it's dried out, but it's deceptive as firefighters we don't necessarily recognize it and so that's been on of the 'watch out' messages that've gone out to our firefighters working in bug kill in the Bitterroot as well as the other forests in Montana and in Idaho."

While crews fight the fire, many of the trees have already lost the battle to the mountain pine beetle.

Contact Breanna Roy

DARBY- Crews battling the massive Saddle Complex fires along the Idaho-Montana border got a break from the weather after storm conditions fail to live up to the forecast.

The complex, which started with two major fires on the Idaho side of the Bitterroot Divide, has consumed more than 21,000 acres, with the majority of that growth coming in the high winds earlier this week.

Fire managers had been worried they could see considerable fire growth on Thursday, with "red flag" conditions of high winds, low humidity and dry thunderstorms in the forecast.

But Bitterroot National Forest spokesman Tod McKay says those conditions didn't hit that hard and there was minimum fire growth in both states.

In Montana, firefighters were busy moving trees and brush alongside roads in the Chicken Ridge area to build fire safe barriers near private cabins and property. Crews also set up several "heli-wells" that choppers can use as a water source when they can't get to a river or stream.

McKay says fire managers considered whether to place crews to try and suppress the blaze along its northern edge, but figured it wasn't safe for firefighters to be in the dense timber.

A Stage 1 evacuation alert remains in effect for those areas along the West Fork of the Bitterroot south of Alta.

Crews also saw minimal fire activity on the Idaho side.

Several roads and trails in the area remain closed off to the public due to the blaze.

Contact Dennis Bragg

DARBY- The Saddle Creek fire that jumped from Idaho into southern Ravalli County earlier this week has grown slightly, and at last check was burning over 21,150 acres.

Nearly 175 personnel are battling the blaze which blew up by 17,000 cares on Monday and is consuming acres on the Bitterroot National Forest as well as on the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho.

The wildfire has also been pumping smoke into the Bitterroot Valley over the past couple of days, coating the air with a smoke haze and at times sending little bits of ash to the ground as far north as Lolo.

The fires, burning 23 miles northwest of North Fork, Idaho, were caused by lightning in mid-August and flared to life earlier this week, crossing into the Bitterroot National Forest.

A local Type 3 team is managing the blaze in a joint-effort with the Bitterroot National Forest. It is burning in lodgepole pine and sub-alpine fir stands in steep terrain that has not been impacted by fire in over 100 years.

Much of the fire has burned with the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness with about 9,200 acres of the fire on the Idaho side of the state line.

Authorities are working to protect area lookouts, campgrounds, and homes, including Gattin Ranch from the fire while structure protection is in place at homes furthest up the West Fork drainage in the Bitterroot.

Stage 1 evacuations orders are in effect for about 50 homes south of Painted Rocks. Ravalli County Sheriff's Department deputies have notified about 11 property owners they may have to evacuate.

Bitterroot National Forest Public Affairs Officer Tod McKay said the fire has the potential to move down the mountain toward homes and cabins.

Saddle Complex Fire incident commander Cary Taylor told Montana's News Station that there's little to stop the fire.

"There's a heavy fuel loading in there, a lot of dead timber from bug kill and the wind pushes it through there real fast," Taylor said.

A command post is set up about five miles from the fire where crews will sleep in tents. As long as the fire stays active, the crews will be needed.

- information from Breanna Roy included in this report

DARBY- The Saddle Complex Fire burning in Idaho and southern Ravalli County grew nearly 2,000 more acres bringing it to 20,188 acres total.

Six hours of high winds fanned the fire across the Idaho border into Montana on Monday and it grew 17,000 acres in a single day as two separate Idaho fires - the Saddle and Stud - joined together.

Since then, the fire died down considerably. But the sky over the Bitterroot National Forest that would otherwise be a clear and blue is now a hazy orange, socked in with smoke. With more wind and dry heat in the forecast, Saddle Complex Fire incident commander Cary Taylor said there's little to stop the fire.

"There's a heavy fuel loading in there, a lot of dead timber from bug kill and the wind pushes it through there real fast," Taylor said.

So far, it's burned only wilderness, but the fire is now within miles of structures. On Wednesday fire crews performed point-source protection on the cabin closest to the fire by pumping water from a nearby creek to wet it down and cutting down the tall, dry grass surrounding it.

Ravalli County Sheriff's Department deputies notified about 11 property owners they may have to evacuate. Bitterroot National Forest Public Affairs Officer Tod McKay said the fire has the potential to move down the mountain toward homes and cabins.

"As that fire's approaching, it's going right towards some of the private properties," McKay said.

Just south of Painted Rocks Reservoir, the forest is popular place for recreation. But several roads and trails are closed and campers, like John Elliot of Florida, are getting smoked out from more than their campfires.

"I wasn't expecting it, it's been real smoky," he said. "It's not no problem, everybody's left. Scared 'em off."

At this time, campfires are still allowed, but fire officials urge campers to be extremely cautious because the forest is very dry.

A command post is set up about five miles from the fire where crews will sleep in tents. As long as the fire stays active, the crews will be needed.

"Unless we get some significant weather change like moisture, it could go several weeks," Taylor said.

And that means the smoke will be hanging around, too.

"Smoke has been an issue and will continue to be an issue," McKay said. "Anytime you have a fire that goes from 1,000 to 18,000 acres in one day, you're gonna have a lot of smoke."

Contact Breanna Roy

DARBY- Some Bitterroot Valley fire department members spent Tuesday up the West Fork of the Bitterroot knocking on doors and issuing a stage one evacuation alert, warning homeowners about an approaching complex of wildfires. They also assessed the homes and structures in the area and evaluated how best to protect them, whether with sprinkler kids or with engines.

"Today was a much better day because we haven't had the winds like yesterday," said Public Information Officer Jesse Bender.

The Saddle Creek Complex burned over the continental divide from Idaho into Ravalli County Tuesday. It now covers a total of 18,275 acres with about 9,000 acres in Montana alone. The complex is burning in the Salmon-Challis and Bitterroot National forests in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in steep terrain not impacted by fires for more than 100 years.

It currently threatens seven homes, four outbuildings and two commercial properties. Fire managers closed Forest Service roads 067, 038, 065, 044 and Horse Creek Hot Springs and Campground.

Smoke from the fires continues to settle in the Bitterroot Valley.

Contact Mark Holyoak

DARBY- The Saddle Complex fire that's burning in Ravalli County and Lehmi County, Idaho has now burned over 18,000 acres according to fire officials.

The Complex is made up of the Saddle and Stud fires which are burning in the Salmon-Challis and Bitterroot National forests in the Frank Church-River of No Return.

The blazes have been belching smoke that has been settling into the Bitterroot Valley over the last 24 hours.

Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest reports that 56 people are assigned to the fire that make a five mile run along the Continental Divide and a three mile run to the south, for a total growth of about 17,000 acres late on Monday.

Road closures are in effect and more are anticipated to come Tuesday in light of the increased fire size.

Closures and Restrictions:

• Forest Road 067 is closed from the junction with Forest Road 123.
• Forest Road 038 is closed west of Horse Creek Pass.
• Forest Road 065 is closed.
• Forest Road 044 is closed.
• Horse Creek Hot Springs and Campground is closed.

A lightning caused fire burning in Idaho has now moved into the Bitterroot National Forest. The Complex is comprised of two fires, the Saddle and Stud Fires, located on the Salmon-Challis and Bitterroot National forests in Lemhi County, Idaho, and Ravalli County. The Saddle Fire is located within the Frank Church-River of No Return.

Sunday night the lightning sparked fires moved from Idaho to the Bitterroot National Forest and has burned 748 acres. The Complex is now being managed as a joint effort between the Salmon-Challis and Bitterroot National forests. Both fires are burning in an area that has not been impacted by fire in more than 100 years.

The Saddle Fire is being managed for resource benefit. But, protection strategies are in place around Horse Creek Hot Springs, Oreana Lookout, and the Gattin Ranch, all on the Salmon-Challis National Forest according to forest officials.

Meanwhile, on the Bitterroot side, firefighters are beginning to scout and prep areas of the West Fork Ranger District that require protection.

Fire activity did increase Monday afternoon with most of the burning came on the spot fires and from within the interior of the fires. The Stud Fire is moving to the northeast, toward Oreana Lookout. Spread on the Saddle Fire is occurring gradually in all directions.

Fire officials were forced to close the Horse Creek Hot Springs Monday because of the fire's proximity to the campground. At this time, there are no trail closures in effect; however, hikers are cautioned to be aware of the potential for such closures as well as the closure of roads accessing trailheads.

Closures and Restrictions

• Forest Road 067 is closed from the junction with Forest Road 123.
• Forest Road 038 is closed west of Horse Creek Pass.
• Forest Road 065 is closed.
• Forest Road 044 is closed.
• Horse Creek Hot Springs is closed.

Contact Melissa Rafferty