Trail and area closures ordered for Dry Cabin fire

OVANDO – Due to increased fire activity, the Flathead National Forest and Lolo National Forest jointly issued area and trail closures in response to the Dry Cabin fire burning about 20 miles north of Ovando in the Upper Dry Fork and Cabin Creek areas of the Scapegoat and Bob Marshall Wilderness areas. Closures are in place for public safety. For the most up-to-date information visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7660/

The Dry Cabin Fire is approximately 3,000 acres in size. It is burning actively in steep terrain, timber and brush. Fire activity has been high due to winds pushing the fire north and west toward the Dry Fork-Flathead Divide. The fire has made runs and torched areas in the main Dry Fork drainage up to the boundary between the Lolo/Flathead National Forest boundary. The fire is approaching the upper portion of the Dry Fork Trail #31. There are no structures currently threatened.

The fire is being managed with point protection suppression strategy and protecting values at risk including wilderness cabins and bridges, with fire personnel and public safety as a priority. Smoke may be visible from Highway 200 and surrounding areas. The fire is being managed by a limited Type 3 management organization with local resources and is 0% contained.

For public safety, area closures are being put into place in the Lolo National Forest in the Dry Fork area. Closed trails include Dry Fork #31 at North Fork Cabin including connecting trails Cabin Creek #80, Dwight Creek #414 and Canyon Creek #16.

On the Flathead National Forest, area closures exist in the Danaher area. Closed trails include the Eastside South Fork Trail #126 from junction with Rapid Creek Trail #142 south to boundary with the Lolo National Forest, including connecting trails Alloy Creek #265, Calf Creek #277, Spring Creek #144, Bar Creek #140 and Limestone Pass #143. 

Alternate routes into the Wilderness areas include Stadler Pass to Benchmark, Jenny Creek/Youngs Pass to Lodgepole Trailhead, and Youngs Creek via Pyramid Pass to Pyramid Trailhead. Many secondary trails are not cleared due to heavy blowdown.

Please contact the Seeley Lake Ranger District, 406-677-2233, or Spotted Bear Ranger District, 406-758-5376 for trail updates. Exercise caution traveling in the backcountry. Pay attention to fire activity, wind and weather, especially in the afternoons when fire activity is highest.