Alder Creek and Trail Creek Fire Updates 07/20/2021 Updated With Correction On Evacuation Orders

Alder Creek

Current Size: 5,674 Acres

Current Containment: 3%

Resources Assigned:

Total personnel: 296

Engines: 16

Hand crews: 2

Alder Creek Fire: The fire experienced minimal growth yesterday, slowly moving

towards the Hwy 43 and Pioneer Scenic Byway corridors. Crews focused on

stopping the main fire by using tactical fire to remove burnable fuels, but rain has

slowed firing operations. Fire engines and hand crews continue to hold and

improve containment lines and protect structures today. Fire growth today is

expected to be slower due to wetting rain.

See Update Below

Trail Creek

Current Size: 23,090 Acres

Current Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned:

Total personnel: 147

Engines: 4

Hand Crews: 3

Trail Creek Fire: The fire grew minimally yesterday, continuing to push slowly east

along the Hwy 43 corridor. Thanks to strategic firing in past days, the Big Hole

National Battlefield and adjacent private structures suffered no damage. The plan

is to continue with holding lines and working hotspots. South of Hwy 43, the plan

is to hold the fire on Butler Creek where it intersects with Foothills Rd. A Hotshot

crew is working to arrest the fire spread before it reaches the Continental Divide.

Fire growth is expected to be slow today due to wetting rain.

WEATHER: Both fires received rain yesterday. The potential for thunderstorms

and high winds are possible this afternoon and evening, and should hold

moisture.

Temp: Max 78F; Humidity: 30‐50%

Wind: SW 10‐15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon.

MAJOR CLOSURES:

• Hwy 43 has been intermittently opened and closed depending on fire

conditions. Please check the Montana DOT website: Road Report

MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status.

• Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho Boarder NW to Chief

Joseph Pass and NE to Trail 3062.

• Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South Van

Houten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes and May Creek Campgrounds are closed.

• Forest Closure orders are in effect for all three fires. Visit the Closure Section

on the Beaverhead‐Deerlodge NF and Salmon‐Challis NF websites for specifics.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

The Forest moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires, stove fires, charcoal

barbecues and grills are prohibited unless using permanent fire pits or fire grates

within developed recreation sites.