MISSOULA — Fie managers report that rain falling over the area of the Cinnabar Fire helped calmed fire behavior and the blaze is holding at approximately 2,000 acres.
While no new growth or active fire behavior was observed visibility continues to be a challenge to firefighters.
The Lolo National Forest notes estimations on the total acreage are based on aerial observation which has been limited due to smoke.
Acreage numbers could increase or decrease over the coming days with improved visibility and more accurate assessments of the fire perimeter.
The fire continues to burn within the Welcome Creek Wilderness boundary, on the Lolo National Forest in Granite County.
John Thompson’s Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team arrived on Tuesday night and will take over command of the fire early Thursday morning.
“We are in the process of transitioning command of the Cinnabar Fire to Thompson’s Type 2 Incident Management Team,” said Jennifer Hensiek, Missoula District Ranger.
“The current firefighting organization has done a great job of establishing a foundation for the incoming team to build on," she added.
Crews worked Tuesday to strengthen and improve fire lines along the Bitterroot/Rock Creek Divide Trail #313 by removing fuels and maintaining the hose lay.
An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Missoula Ranger District in the Lolo National Forest and the Stevensville Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest.
The closure includes the entire Welcome Creek Wilderness, and additional roads and trails adjacent to the Wilderness for public and firefighter safety.
There are currently 77 people battling the Cinnabar Fire which was sparked by lightning on Aug. 19.
