Alder Creek, Trail Creek, & Christensen Fire Updates 07/27/2021

Alder Creek

Current Size: 8,849 Acres

Current Containment: 10%

Resources Assigned:

Total personnel: 310

Alder Creek Fire: On Monday, the fire was active again in the Alder Creek and

Deno Creek drainages. Crews will continue to focus efforts in those drainages on

Tuesday by improving containment lines and utilizing strategic fire operations

when necessary. Engine crews will continue to patrol and support structure

protection.

Trail Creek

Current Size: 32,933 Acres

Current Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned:

Total personnel: 137

Trail Creek Fire: The fire has moved west of the Continental Divide into the upper

portions of Threemile Creek drainage above Gibbonsvile. The terrain is steep and

rugged with numerous snags. Crews are evaluating options for control lines

while engines continue to patrol and support structure protection in

Gibbonsville. North of Hwy 43, firefighters will continue to enhance the Lost Trail

Rd and ensure the Big Hole Battlefield and communication tower are secure.

Along the southeast fire perimeter, firefighters will continue preparing the

Foothills Road and conduct strategic firing operations as needed.

Christensen

Current Size: 4,891 Acres

Current Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned:

Total personnel: 18

Christensen Fire: The Christensen Fire continued to push to the east on Monday.

On Tuesday, firefighters will 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.

Weather: Tuesday will again be hot and dry with temperatures in the mid 80’s

and relative humidity dropping to 11-17%. Winds will be out of the west at 10-15

MPH. Although quite dry, thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon with

lightning, gusty winds and little to no rain. Deeper moisture later this week will

result in increasing humidity s as well as better coverage of thunderstorms.

Major Closures:

• Hwy 43 remains open. Motorists are asked to slow down and be on the alert

for firefighters, heavy smoke, and downed trees. Please check the Montana

DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status.

• 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 evacuation orders in effect:

Beaverhead Sheriff

More info on the stages of evacuation: Evacuation Stages