Bear Creek Fire Update 08/13/2020

The Bear Creek Fire was reported at approximately 10:30 am on August 11 south of Lemhi Pass on the Dillon Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

A late night infrared flight mapped the fire at 4200 acres. The fire is currently 0% contained. 

A Type 2 IMT (Northern Rockies Team 5) assumed command of the fire this morning at 6:00 am. Resources assigned to the fire include; 8 helicopters, three Type 1 Crews, three engines and 139 total personnel.  Scoopers and airtankers are available to assist in air operations as needed. 

The fire is expected to experience near critical fire weather conditions today, resulting in active fire behavior. Winds will be gusty, and relative humidity will be low. Areas exposed to the influence of the wind are expected to burn actively with short crown runs and potential for short-range spotting.

Public and firefighter safety are the top priority. Temporary closures are in effect.

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is closed from Lemhi Pass to Bannock Pass. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from Brenner Lane to the Idaho border. All BLM lands south of Lemhi Pass Road, west of U.S. Highway 324, and east of the Continental Divide along the Montana Stateline are closed. 

Closure update: the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has instituted a closure for USFS-administered lands south of Lemhi Pass Road, west of Highway 324, and east of the Continental Divide, due to the Bear Creek Fire.

Closure update: the U.S. Forest Service - Salmon-Challis National Forest has closed portions of Warm Springs Road (60185) and Agency Creek Road (60013) due to the Bear Creek Fire.