Size: 7,262
Percent Completion: 49%
Cause: Lightning
Resources Assigned:
• Total personnel: 194
• Engines: 10
• Helicopters: 2
• Hand crews: 2 type 2 crews.
CURRENT STATUS:
A suppression module of ten firefighters accessed the Meridian Creek
drainage by way of Forest Service Trail #8395 to spread out and lessen
fuels where the fire is progressing. This will help to slow the fire's
intensity and growth in the area. A helicopter assisted with bucket drops
yesterday and will do so again today. Crews continue to systematically
conduct isolated burn-out operations in block sections in this drainage.
Crews will likely complete handline to the West Fork Madison River from
Forest Service Trail #6410 today, connecting the section of line started
southwest of Hoodoo Pass. This line will serve as the basis for future
burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank. Crews
continue to monitor the fire's activity and "mop-up" residual heat along all
flanks of the fire.
Demobilization of excess resources will occur over the next few days; some
resources are being reassigned to assist with other incidents in the region.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Overnight relative humidity recovery in the 40% range will likely result in
an earlier and longer burn period today. Wind speeds and relative
humidity are both expected to be in the low teens today. Critically dry
conditions are expected to persist through the weekend. Wind speeds will
be less, but dry air remains. Thunderstorms are expected early next week.
Abundant drift smoke from the Dixie Fire in California provided a shading
effect for the Goose Fire yesterday, dampening fire activity. That smoke
has drifted to the north; more radiant solar heat will be present today.
Fuel moisture values are still unseasonably low, which may lead to burning
in fuels (like sage, grass and younger lodgepole pine) that were unavailable
to burn earlier in the week.
The fire is expected to grow in the drainage along Two Drink Springs;
however, it will likely not move up the ridge in the next few days due to
an avalanche chute in the area. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with
crown runs unlikely. Spotting distance of less than 1/4 mile is predicted.
The duff layers and stump holes will continue to hold heat, requiring
extensive mop-up.
CLOSURES:
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information
can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. The
Forest will monitor and re-evaluate the closure area, shrinking the
boundary as conditions become safe to do so. Fire-weakened trees are
susceptible to winds and pose a threat to firefighters and the public.
STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS:
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has implemented Stage 2 Fire
Restrictions. All campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues
and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also affect smoking and
the use of various internal combustion engines.
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