Goose Fire Update 07/15/2021

CURRENT STATUS:

Fire progression has slowed to the north in the grassy fuels resistant to

burning. Crews will continue securing the handline from Hidden Lake

Bench to Cliff Lake. Crews will assess the campgrounds near Cliff and

Wade Lake and Wilderness Edge Lodge. To the east, crews will continue

to clean-up unburned fuel pockets in the timber, securing that edge. In the

southwest, crews will utilize the road and trail system north of Elk Lake

Resort to establish containment lines, as well as assess protection needs

around the lodge itself. Heavy equipment will continue to prep line from

Jackpine Gulch Road west into Meridian Creek drainage to West Fork

Cow Camp.

Helicopters will continue assisting the ground crews with water bucket

drops to cool areas of heat and with aerial reconnaissance to monitor fire

movement.

Additional crew and engine resources arrived last night.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect from 2pm to 9pm due to a chance

of thunderstorms that could bring lightning and erratic winds. Winds will

be 10-15 mph from the south/southwest. If thunderstorms develop in the

area, outflow winds of 30-50 mph are possible. Temperatures are forecast

to reach 85 degrees, with relative humidity in the teens. Little to no

precipitation is expected.

The fire is expected to be active in the Brimstone Creek area and toward

Hoodoo Pass, given the large areas of heavy, continuous fuels. Short

crown runs and spotting are expected. Fire is just beginning to carry in

the sagebrush, as fuel moistures continue to decrease with the hot and dry

conditions. Fire progression continues to be held up on the north end by

constructed control lines and lighter fuels. Heavy downed fuels in the

southeast portion of the fire will continue to smolder; the fire will

continue to consume unburned pockets of timber in this area. Torching

and short-range spotting are possible.

CLOSURES:

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest announced extended area

closures to include the Antelope Prong boat launch and the Wade Lake,

Hilltop, and Cliff Point campgrounds. Refunds for reservations will be

processed by recreation.gov. The current closure boundary is likely to

expand, given recent fire movement. Official closure information can be

found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest moved into Stage 1 Fire

Restrictions yesterday. Campfires and stove fires (including charcoal

barbecues and grills) are prohibited in the area unless using permanent fire

pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites. Smoking, unless in a

vehicle, a building, or an area 3 feet in diameter cleared of vegetation, is

also restricted.