Shale Creek Fire Update 08/23/2020

CURRENT SIZE: 8 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, a Type 2 hand crew, a Type 1 hotshot crew, eight engines, and 81 total personnel. Resources and helicopters from the Bear Creek Fire are also assisting, as needed.

YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews finished securing the line and began mop-up of hotspots, removing residual heat. Helicopters provided aerial support through water bucket drops and aerial scouting. Personnel assessed the snag hazard, as dead/burned standing trees pose a significant hazard to firefighters.

TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Cloud cover and less smoke and haze drifting in from California could lead to decreased fire behavior this morning. Smoke will likely increase by the evening. Wind gusts are expected up to 22 mph, with relative humidity in the mid to high-teens and temperatures in the upper-70s. Dry and windy conditions are forecast through early next week.

TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will finish securing the line and begin demobilizing. The fire is expected to be in patrol status by tomorrow. 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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