Joe Sampson's Northern Rockies Team #5 assumed command of the fires at 6 a.m.
this morning. Members of Northern Rockies Team #5 worked closely alongside the
Southern Area Blue Team yesterday, with all sections "shadowing" their
counterparts to ensure a smooth transition. Command of the Black Mountain Fire
has been transferred back to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
Given recent precipitation and much cooler temperatures, firefighters were able to
monitor current activity on all three fires. Rain (and hail in some places) affected
the area roads, limiting travel and operations to some degree.
TRAIL CREEK
Location: 20 miles West of Wisdom
Star t date: July 8, 2021
Size: 39,196 acres
Percent Contained: 26%
Cause: Lightning
Total personnel: 223
TRAIL CREEK FIRE:
Crews are monitoring and "mopping up" residual heat in the area between Three
Mile Creek and the Gibbonsville Road, where they completed a strategic burn
operation earlier this week. Crews are also working to rehabilitate an area where
handline was constructed near the Big Hole Battlefield. Crews are keeping a close
eye on areas of residual heat in the Salix Creek area, in the Shoefly area south of
Hogan's Cabin, and in the Three Mile Ridge/Nez Perce drainage areas. Structure
protection measures (pumps, hose, and sprinklers) remain in place for structures in
the Gibbonsville area.
ALDER CREEK
Location: 7 miles west of Wise River
Star t date: July 8, 2021
Size: 14,056 acres
Percent Contained: 15%
Cause: Unknown
Total per sonnel: 290
ALDER CREEK FIRE:
Crews continue to strengthen containment lines and "mop up" areas of residual
heat, specifically in the Foolhen Ridge area where heavy fuels continue to smolder
and the fire is backing downhill slowly. Some heat is present in the Deno/Stein
Creek areas, where the fire continues to smolder in heavy duff. Firefighters will
check these areas for increased activity, with the warmer and drier conditions
forecast for next week.
CHRISTENSEN
Location:12 miles west of Wise River
Star t date: July 16, 2021
Size: 11,067 acres
Percent Contained: 15%
Cause: Unknown
Total per sonnel: 33
CHRISTENSEN FIRE:
Crews are removing heavy fuels to improve fuel breaks in the area north of the
fire. Fire activity remains minimal, with very little heat observed. Fire managers
will monitor a small pocket of heat in the Trident Peak area.
TODAY'S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:
The fire areas received up to 1/4 inch of precipitation over the last 24 hours.
Cooler temperatures and moister air further resulted in decreased fire activity
temporarily. Relative humidity recoveries reached 90% last night. Today's forecast
calls for temperatures in the 60s and relative humidity in the mid-50% range.
Winds from the south/southwest could gust up to 20 mph. Today brings the best
chance for thunderstorms for several days, with 75% cloud cover and the potential
for gusty, erratic winds; brief, heavy rainfall; and small hail. Precipitation is likely
from mid-afternoon to the evening hours. Another disturbance enters the area on
Sunday/Monday, followed by a gradual drying and warming trend through next
week.
Fire behavior is limited to smoldering in the heavy fuels and minimal creeping in
thick duff on the forest floor. Potential for large fire growth remains a concern,
given the combination of warmer and drier conditions and strong, gusty winds.
CLOSURES:
The Continental Divide Trail is closed from Rock Creek to Mussigbrod Creek.
The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice.
Campground Closures: North and South VanHouten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes,
May Creek and Divide Bridge
Forest Closure orders are in effect on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-
Challis National Forests.
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