TRAIL CREEK FIRE: Size 51,782 Acres 29% Containment
Construction continues on the handline from Forest Service 079 road north along the ridge between Anderson Creek and Smithy Creek to Anderson Mountain. Once completed, crews will use a burn out operation to secure the north side of the fire.
With favorable conditions yesterday, crews were able to conduct some burn out operations from Gory Creek to Nickel Back. Night shift crews continued the work through the night last night. This operation will help secure this section of the fire.
Crews will continue to remove hazard trees along Highway 43 for the next few days but is closed to public travel through Thursday.
ALDER CREEK FIRE: Size 33,863 32% Contained
Work continued on the northside of the fire, as hand crews and dozers create containment lines from Forest Service 062 road to Saw Log Creek. Additionally, crews were able to use a burnout operation to improve containment lines. Crews will continue to look for opportunity to conduct burn outs and go direct attack where they can do so safely. These burns are important to containing the fire and protecting structures.
The structure protection group remains in place near Alder Creek, monitoring and evaluating structures. Crews will remain in the area throughout the evening, monitoring and mopping up any hot spots.
SAND LAKE FIRE: Size 228 Acres 0% Containment
The fire is established and active, growth is minimal, moving slowly along the side of the mountain. Crews will continue to monitor the fire and evaluate values at risk.
WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:
A weak cold front passing through last night may cause gusty winds. A stronger cold front will pass through on Wednesday has higher probability of stronger, gusty winds. Warm and dry conditions will continue, as nearly storm is predicted to have any precipitation with it.
SAFETY:
Highway 43 is open in the Alder Creek area and the Pioneer Scenic Byway to through traffic. Watch for increased traffic, school has started in the local communities and hunting season is ongoing. Use extreme caution and slow down when traveling in the fire area. Expect firefighters and equipment near roadways.
Montana Department of Transportation has scheduled Highway 43 starting at Wisdom, Montana, to replace bridges over Trail Creek from September 13th through 16th. The closure will last 24 hours a day (Monday-Thursday). The road is expected to reopen on Friday morning (September 17th).
CLOSURES:
Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed. The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. May Creek Campground is closed. Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forests, the Beaverhead- Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.
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