Goose Fire Update 07/18/2021

Size: 6,258 (infrared flight)

Percent Completion: 17%

Resources Assigned:

• Total personnel: 306

• Engines: 18

• Helicopters: 2

• Hand crews: 3 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 6,258 acres, showing areas

of heat in the southwest corner and along the west/northwest flank.

Ground crews, assisted by helicopters dropping water, successfully caught

and secured several small spot fires burning in the sage and grass on the

northern edge of the fire.

To the northwest, crews will continue burn-out operations to eliminate

unburned fuels between the established fire line and the fire's edge,

progressing to the first switchback of Hoodoo Pass Road. Crews in the

southwest will continue to secure spots and keep the fire north of

Brimstone Trail, conducting burn out operations as necessary to stay in-

line with the fire's movement to the west.

In the east, crews will continue to mop-up and secure the line, cleaning up

and removing residual heat. Extensive mop-up is needed in the areas with

a dry, deep duff layer that is holding residual heat.

A heavy equipment task force will relocate to the southwest corner of the

fire via Landon Road, where they will construct line east of Snowshoe

Pass, connecting to already established fireline along Brimstone Trail.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Relative humidity will likely remain in the low teens today. High

temperatures are expected in the high 80s and low 90s. Thunderstorms,

lightning, and strong winds are possible over the fire area this afternoon.

The chance of thunderstorms increases early next week, with increasing

clouds on Monday as moisture arrives from the Southwest and with

potential for hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph on Tuesday.

These warmer, drier conditions are likely to result in more active fire

behavior and a longer burn period. Fire is expected to start carrying in the

sagebrush as these fuels dry and cure out, but still with limited spread.

Short crown runs, group torching, and short-range spotting are expected.

The intensity and the rate of fire spread in the Meridian drainage will

likely increase, as winds pick up and the fire moves into an area with thick

pockets of continuous fuels. The fire is likely to continue spreading at a

rate of around 1/2 to a mile per day in the most active areas of the fire,

especially where winds and topography align with the fuels.

CLOSURES:

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest expanded the area closure

around the fire area, extending the boundaries due to recent fire

progression. Official closure information can be found here: