Alder Creek, Trail Creek, Christensen, and Black Mountain Fire Update August 20, 2021

Alder Creek

Size: 14,056 Acres

Containment: 15%

Location: 7 miles west of

Wise River, MT

Start Date: July 8, 2021

Cause: Unknown

Total personnel: 282

Alder Creek Fire: Heat located above Foolhen Ridge in heavy fuels is smoldering due to the

wet weather and high humidity. Structures near Deno and Stein creeks continue to be

patrolled, and monitored for changes in activity. Firefighters will focus efforts on

strengthening containment lines and removing pockets of heat that remain throughout the

fire.

Trail Creek

Size: 39,169 Acres

Containment: 26%

Location: 20 miles west of

Wisdom, MT

Start Date: July 8, 2021

Cause: Lightning

Total personnel: 240

Trail Creek Fire: Crews performed a tactical firing operation between Threemile Creek and

Gibbonsville Road to provide an anchor point and increase control on fire. Structure

protection remains and residents in Lemhi County in and near Gibbonsville remain in a

“Set” evacuation status. weather continues to assist crews in containing the little heat

detected. Although probability of spreading in the next few days is low, crews will continue

to monitor the fire for increased activity as drying trend approaches. Along with mop up

operations, crews will also focus on rehabilitating the handline that was used as an

alternative to heavy equipment on the culturally sensitive Big Hole Battlefield.

Christensen

Size: 11,067 Acres

Containment: 15%

Location: 12 miles west of Wise

River, MT

Start Date: July 16, 2021

Cause: Unknown

Total personnel: 52

Christensen Fire: Crews focused on securing the north side of Toomey creek, and refining

fuel breaks near private land by removing logs and heavy fuels. Minimal fire activity was

observed on the Christensen Fire, and similar conditions are expected today. Crews will

continue to move timber and monitor the area around the fire.

Fire Weather Today: We can expect showers and isolated storms with about 0.25”-0.5’’ of

rain. Showers are expected to the North and West of fires, and expected to clear by late

morning with 50-60% cloud cover. Highs today are projected to be in the upper 50’s with

humidity in the low 40’s.

Major Closures:

• Hwy 43 and Pioneer Byway remain open. Motorists are asked to slow down and be on thealert for firefighters, heavy smoke, and downed trees. Please check the Montana DOT RoadReport website for current conditions.

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

• Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South VanHouten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes, May Creek and Divide Bridge Campgrounds are closed.

• Forest Closure orders in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-Challis National Forests are in effect for all three fires.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for SW Montana

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for Central ID