Alder Creek, Trail Creek, And Christensen Fire Update 07/29/2021

Alder Creek

Current Size: 8,849 Acres

Current Containment: 10%

Total personnel: 287

Alder Creek Fire: On Thursday, crews will be improving containment lines and

utilizing strategic firing operations in the Alder Creek and Bryant Creek drainages

on north edge of the fire and Deno Creek and Stine Creek drainages on the eastern

edge along Pioneer Byway. Engine crews continue to support structure protection

for residences along Hwy 43 and Pioneer Byway.

Trail Creek

Current Size: 34,997 Acres

Current Containment: 0%

Total personnel: 194

Trail Creek Fire: The fire is burning in rugged terrain in Threemile Creek and Nez

Perce Creek drainages west of the Continental Divide. On Thursday, crews will

continue evaluating options for control lines up and above Gibbonsville. Engine

crews will continue to support structure protection in Gibbonsville. Firefighters

will also improve the Lost Trail Rd on the northwest portion of the fire and the

Foothills Rd along the southeast. Strategic firing operations will occur as needed.

Christensen

Current Size: 4,892 Acres

Current Containment: 0%

Total personnel: 18

Christensen Fire: On Thursday, northwesterly winds will minimize fire growth to

the north. Firefighters continue to identify potential control lines using old roads,

creeks, and previous fire scars. Engine crews will continue structure contingency

planning for private homes along Hwy 43 corridor.

Smoke: The MT Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality alert for

Beaverhead and surrounding counties http://todaysair.mt.gov The ID Department

of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for

residents of Lemhi County https://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/home/map

Weather: Today will bring higher humidity and chances for thunderstorms.

Temperatures will rise to low 80’s with relative humidity 22-40%. Smoke

continues to hold in the valleys as northwesterly winds remain light between 5-

10 mph. Thunderstorms may bring lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 mph during

the afternoon.

Major Closures:

• Hwy 43 and Pioneer Byway remain open. Motorists are asked to slow down

and be on the alertfor firefighters, heavy smoke, and downed trees. Please

check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile

• Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Lemhi Pass north to Mussigbrod Creek.

• 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.

Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF: Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF Closures

Salmon-Challis NF: Salmon-Challis NF Closures

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect SW Montana: https://www.mtfireinfo.org

Evacuations: Beaverhead County Sheriff has Stage 2 Evacuation Orders in effect

for Alder Creek Community, Southside of Hwy 43 from Alder Creek Road to Dickie

Bridge, and the westside of Pioneer Scenic Byway from airport to Harriet Lou Road

Beaverhead Sheriff Stages of evacuation: Evacuation Stages

Lemhi County Sheriff has contacted threatened residences on west side of Trail

Creek fire in Idaho and placed in “Set” evacuation status. Info: 208-756-8980.