State Creek Fire at 50% Containment

DATE OF DETECTION: August 29, 2020

CAUSE: Lightning

CURRENT SIZE: 3,140 acres (increase due to burnout operations)

COMPLETION OF OBJECTIVES: 50% LOCATION Approximately 16 miles NE of Whitehall, 2 miles NE of Whitetail Reservoir

JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 2 Medium Helicopters, 1 Water Tender, 1 Skidgen, 6 Type 6 Engines, 1 Smoke Jumper Module (7 person), 1 Rappler Module (4 person) 1 Type 1 Crew (18 person), 1 Type 2 IA (20 person), 1 AI crew (7 person) and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 160 personnel.

The State Creek Fire was detected August 29, 2020. This fire is located on the Butte Ranger District and currently is 3,140 acres in an area difficult for firefighters to access due to rough terrain, numerous snags, and a significant amount of dead and down trees. Some of the strategic objectives for this fire include protect private residences and structures, protect heritage sites, keep fire off private land when possible, minimize effects to fish populations and minimize the spread of noxious and invasive weeds.

YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews continued with the burnout operations, re-enforcing fire perimeter. Planned burnout operations were completed by end of shift Aviation was used to slow fire growth to the north.

TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Red Flag Warning in effect from noon to 9:00 p.m. today. Predictions are that very dry conditions will develop over the fire area. Increased southwesterly winds are expected which should rid some of the smoke causing a high Haines Index (HI). HI Is a numerical value that indicates the potential for large wildfires to experience extreme fire behavior. Very dry conditions will remain through Monday night. Smoke is also expected to return Monday night and Tuesday. Fire activity may increase with these predictions.

TODAY’S PLAN: Crews continue to hold and improve the existing fire perimeter. Helicopters may be used, when visibility allows, to prevent fire on the northside of FS Road 8572 from spreading east. Prep work is being implemented to stop any fire progression to the south.

SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighter’s safety is always the primary concern . The Forest Service (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued closure orders for the area around the fire including roads and trails. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect for the fire area. Please check InciWeb for the current order if recreating in the area.

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