Shale Creek Fire Near Polaris at 10 Acres

DATE OF DETECTION: Thursday, August 20, 2020

CAUSE: Unknown

CURRENT SIZE: Estimated at 10 acres

CONTAINMENT: 0%

LOCATION: 5 miles northwest of Polaris

JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County, Montana DNRC PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include 10 smokejumpers, as well as resources and helicopters assisting from the Bear Creek Fire.

YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Smokejumpers positioned overnight. Aerial support provided retardant drops, and a sky crane helicopter dropped water on the fire.

TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Early morning fire behavior is expected to be slow due to the presence of drift smoke from the new fires in California; activity is expected to increase by the afternoon hours. Dry and windy conditions are forecast through early next week. Wind gusts are expected up to 18 mph, with relative humidity in the upper teens.

TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Smokejumpers will assess the fire and find access routes to the area. Aerial support, including a sky crane and other helicopters, will assist the fire beginning at 9:30 a.m.

SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.

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