Lily Lake Fire personnel awoke to 2-3 inches of snow on Wednesday morning. The weather forecast for the next several days is cloudy with rain and snow likely. The helicopter and personnel were demobed. A few Wisdom District people will clear off and clean up the equipment left out on the fire. The fire was turned back to the District Wednesday morning.

This fire, burning since August 13, is being managed for long-term resource benefits, including maintaining natural processes and wilderness characteristics in the West Pioneer Wilderness Study Area.

Hose, sprinklers and pumps have been dismantled and are being hauled off the mountain.

Fire activity has been dampened by the recent weather, but may increase during the afternoon as temperatures and winds increase and humidity decreases. Smoke could still be visible in the fire area.

Area closure order, #2009-D3-036, has been rescinded and the area is once again open to the public. Trail #3380 between Lily Lake and Sand Lake remains closed. Burned trees could fall and rocks and debris could roll downhill at any time so visitors to the area should use extreme caution when in the burned area.

Visitors are advised to call the Wisdom Ranger District (406) 689-3243, for updates on the trails within the West Pioneer Area.

This will be the last update unless significant events occur.