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Writer's pictureJeremy Crawford

Alder Creek, Trail Creek, And Christensen Fire Updates 08/24/2021



TRAIL CREEK

Location: 20 miles West of Wisdom

Star t date: July 8, 2021

Size: 39,243 acres (IR mapping-8/23)

Percent Contained: 26%

Cause: Lightning

Total personnel: 193


TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

Crews are continuing to improve handline along the western perimeter of the fire and

mop up and monitor residual hot spots. Helicopters dropped water in the area as a

proactive measure for mitigating future fire activity. Heavy equipment crews are

taking advantage of the Montana DOT closure of the highway for bridge repairs,

cleaning up debris from the Highway 43 corridor. Crews completed about one-third

of the debris clean-up yesterday. Fire personnel will continue to maintain structure

protection measures (water-handling equipment like pumps, hose, and sprinklers) in

the Gibbonsville areas.


Crews continue to work on a suppression repair plan in consultation with Tribal

officials and representatives from the National Park Service, Big Hole Battlefield.



ALDER CREEK

Location: 7 miles west of Wise River

Star t date: July 8, 2021

Size: 14,066 acres (IR mapping-8/23)

Percent Contained: 15%

Cause: Unknown

Total personnel: 175


ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Smoke may increase due to isolated pockets burning within the fire's interior. Plans

are to continue containing the fire south of Highway 43 and west of Highway 73

(Pioneer Scenic Byway) while minimizing impacts to communities and infrastructure.

Crews are utilizing the Pattengail fire footprint as a natural barrier to contain the fire.

Fire personnel are monitoring the east side of Bryant Creek drainage for potential

movement toward private property, infrastructure, and other values. Log removal and

chipping operations will continue as weather and safety permits.



CHRISTENSEN

Location:12 miles west of Wise River

Star t date: July 16, 2021

Size: 11,089 acres (IR mapping-8/23)

Percent Contained: 15%

Cause: Unknown

Total personnel: 9


CHRISTENSEN FIRE:

The last infrared flight showed scattered heat over the north face of Trident Peak.

The heat in this area is a cause for very limited concern due to it being in an area

sheltered from sun exposure and prevailing winds on the north-facing slope. Crews

continue to clean up defensive lines and are working with resource advisors on

suppression repair operations.



TODAY'S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Yesterday, temperatures were in the high 60s to low 70s with relative humidity at

about 20%. Westerly winds were a steady 5-10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, though

the east-to-west canyons and ridgetops saw gusts up to 35 mph. Today is projected to

be the driest day of the week, with similar temperatures and relative humidity and

slightly lower wind speeds. Westerly winds will be about 8-10 mph accompanied by

18-20 mph gusts with increasing cloud cover and smoke. Cloud cover will increase

starting tomorrow. Temperatures, minimum relative humidity, and a chance of

precipitation is projected to increase later in the week.



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: May Creek


Forest Closure orders are in effect on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-Challis

National Forests.


Road Closure: Montana DOT will close Highway 43 from Wisdom to mile marker

7.5 for bridge repairs. The closure is in effect from 6 a.m. on Monday, August 23

until 6 a.m. on Friday, August 27.





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