Bachelor Complex: Critical fuel conditions, warmer temperatures and continued dry conditions contributed to an increase in fire activity and heat on the Little Lava Fire especially in the uncontained fire perimeter on the northern edge near Sheridan Mountain which is in steep and inaccessible terrain. Currently advantageous winds are keeping the northern perimeter in check, and the fire has a low rate of spread as the fire backed north, against the wind and topography. The heavy fuels, such as downed logs, found interior and adjacent to the perimeter of the fire, continue to consume themselves. Isolated torching with some spotting has the potential to grow into short crown runs in the days ahead as more adverse wind conditions are predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday. Along the south side and northeast portion of Little Lava Fire patrol and mop-up efforts are ongoing as crews address areas of heat found near the line. On the east side of Little Lava Fire, in the area of Forest Service Road 45 , firefighters will be patrolling the line looking for any signs of residual heat and mopping up any spots found. On the westside of the fire crews will continue with suppression repair efforts. Elsewhere in the complex the Backside and 911 Fires will be patrolled by air. On incident#846, which is in the Kwohl Butte area and is about three acres, firefighters will complete mop up and patrol today and expect to hike out at the end of shift.
Weather and Fire Behavior: There will be a stronger high-pressure system setting up over the region which will bring warmer and drier conditions to the fire area. Temperatures continue to rise on Tuesday, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, and relative humidity lowering to around 24-28%. Southeast winds on Tuesday morning are expected to shift to the southwest in the afternoon, around 6-10 mph with gusts 15-19 mph. The approaching front has the potential to bring gusty and adverse winds to the fire area ahead of the weather system. This may lead to increased fire activity and short crown runs are possible.
