Alder Creek and Trail Creek Fires Now Over 18,000 Acres Burned

Alder Creek

Current Size: 3,560 Acres

Current Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned:

Total personnel: 250

Engines: 13

Hand crews: 6

An infrared flight occurred on the fire last night that recorded very little movement yesterday, mostly creeping and smoldering occurring. The fire is currently being held in the Harriet Lou drainage. Crews will continue structural protection efforts today along Hwy 43 and the Pioneer Byway working on containment lines behind structures. The Sheriff’s Department will keep all evacuations in place through the weekend given the existing weather conditions.

Trail Creek

Current Size: 15,050 Acres

Current Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned:

Total personnel: 105

Engines: 4

Hand Crews: 2

Last night an infrared flight was flown to assess fire growth. The

majority of growth occurred along the Hwy 43 corridor burning well into the old

Blackwall fire scar. Structure protection continues along the corridor today with

emphasis around the Big Hole National Battlefield and assessment of private

property south of Hwy 43. Crews will continue to work the shaded fuel break along

the Anderson Road. A community meeting was held in Gibbonsville, ID last night

and structural protection efforts will continue there today.

MAJOR CLOSURES:

• Hwy 43 has been intermittingly opening and closing 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.

• Forest Closure orders are in effect for both fires. Visit the Closure Section on the

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website for specific information.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National 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. Smoking,

unless in a vehicle, a building, or an area three feet in diameter cleared of

vegetation, is also restricted.