Size: 7,247 (IR mapping)
Percent Completion: 34%
Resources Assigned:
• Total personnel: 261
• Engines: 18
• Helicopters: 2
• Hand crews: 2 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews
CURRENT STATUS:
An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 7,247 acres.
In the northeast, crews constructed additional line for a potential burn-out
operation today that aims to contain a small section of concentrated heat.
Crews continue to look for additional opportunities for line construction
southwest of Hoodoo Pass and along Forest Service Trail 6410 north into
the West Fork Madison River. These lines will serve as the basis for future
burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank.
Crews "mopped-up" residual heat along the north, east and south sides of
the fire, increasing completion of objectives to 34% yesterday. Helicopters
assisted with bucket drops in the north, where the fire was active in heavy
timber. Crews also searched for spot fires, "gridding" (systematically
covering an area) in unburned fuels in the north and found no heat in the
areas outside of the fire perimeter. Crews will continue the mop-up
operation today, aiming to increase the depth of the "cold black" inward
from the constructed lines. Extensive mop-up is necessary in areas with
thick duff and ground fuels that tend to hold residual heat over time.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
The fire received minimal precipitation from yesterday's thunderstorms.
Lightning ground strikes were spotted near the fire area. Early morning
conditions at the fire area included fog and heavy dew.
Today's temperatures are expected in the high 70s with clear skies this
morning and a slight chance of scattered showers in the afternoon. Wind
gusts could reach up to 25 mph, and relative humidity is expected to
remain in the mid 20s. Tomorrow will bring unsettled weather as a cold
front, with winds gusting 30+ mph and minimum relative humidity in the
low teens, approaches the area.
Good overnight recovery of relative humidity levels will delay more active
fire behavior until the afternoon hours. With sunny skies and lower
relative humidity in the coming days, grass and sage fuels may become
more available to burn. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with isolated
torching and short crown runs possible.
CLOSURES:
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information
can be found here:
STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS:
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is currently in Stage 1 Fire
Restrictions. These fire restrictions will tighten on Saturday morning, as
the Forest implements Stage 2. All campfires and stove fires (including
charcoal barbecues and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also
affect smoking and the use of internal combustion engines.
Current restrictions information can be found at www.mtfireinfo.org.
SAFETY & NOTIFICATIONS:
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire, in effect from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.
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