TRAIL CREEK
Location: 20 miles West of Wisdom
Star t date: July 8, 2021
Size: 39,317 acres (IR mapping-8/28)
Percent Complete: 58%
Cause: Lightning
Total personnel: 227
TRAIL CREEK FIRE:
Ground crews completed handline construction along the western flank near May Creek
and along the Three Mile Creek ridge east of Anderson Mountain; crews will improve and
secure this line, closely monitoring the Anderson Mountain area. The line will be
"plumbed" with hoses and pumps, as a precautionary measure. Helicopters assisted with
bucket drops yesterday, effectively keeping the fire "in check" along Three Mile Ridge.
Heavy fuel removal from Anderson Road is complete. Crews are working to remove
hazard trees from the May Creek area. Crews will continue mop-up operations and
monitoring of remaining hot spots throughout the fire. Crews continue to work on a
suppression repair plan.
ALDER CREEK
Location: 7 miles west of Wise River
Star t date: July 8, 2021
Size: 14,117 acres (IR mapping-8/28)
Percent Complete: 24%
Cause: Unknown
Total personnel: 177
ALDER CREEK FIRE:
Firefighters backhauled excess water-handling equipment no longer needed east of the
Pioneer Scenic Byway. They will continue the backhauling operation on the west side of
the Byway, monitoring areas of heat on the fire, and assessing suppression repair needs.
Heavy equipment on the northern side of the fire completed wood chipping operations
and will work on repairing roads used in suppression operations. Crews continue to
monitor the large fuels smoldering in the interior of the fire, south of Highway 43 and
west of the Byway; no significant fire growth is expected.
CHRISTENSEN
Location:12 miles west of Wise River
Star t date: July 16, 2021
Size: 11,129 acres (IR mapping-8/28)
Percent Complete: 20%
Cause: Unknown
Total personnel: 13
CHRISTENSEN FIRE:
Heavy equipment resources will continue with cut material removal operations as weather
and safety permit. Scattered heat and visible smoke remains in the Trident Peak area.
Forward progression of the fire is not expected although the fire is expected to continue
backing into Bryant Creek when the winds and slope align. The fire has stalled along the
Pattengail Fire footprint, which has served as a natural barrier for confining the fire.
TODAY'S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:
A low pressure system yesterday kept high temperatures in the 60s and minimum relative
humidity around 30%. As the system clears out to the east, a drying trend begins, with
temperatures rising a few degrees each day and relative humidity slowly dropping. Expect
widespread sunshine today, relative humidity in the low to mid 20s and temperatures in
the low 70s. An incoming thermal belt will also keep temperatures warmer at night. Wind
speeds are expected to remain low today (gusting up to 13 mph from the west), but
instability tomorrow and Monday could bring unpredictable gusty winds. Cooler weather
is expected to return mid-week.
Limited fire spread is anticipated even with the expected drying trend. Concentrated heat
in Salix Creek, Three Mile Ridge, and Trident Peak may lead to a slight increase in fire
activity and smoke production. Single tree torching on the western side of the Trail Creek
Fire is likely to continue, due to the slope alignment and solar heating of the fuels with
the morning sun.
SAFETY:
Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are open to through traffic. Slow down and
stay alert for firefighting equipment and vehicles, smoke, and downed trees. Motorists
should also watch for bicyclists, hikers, and vehicles operating at slower speeds.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS:
Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire
restrictions. Check mtfireinfo.org and idahofireinfo.com for the latest information.
CLOSURES:
The Continental Divide Trail is closed from Rock Creek to Mussigbrod Creek. The Big
Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. May Creek Campground remains
closed.
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