TRAIL CREEK
Location: 20 miles West of Wisdom
Star t date: July 8, 2021
Size: 39,340 acres (IR mapping-8/29)
Percent Complete: 58%
Cause: Lightning
Total personnel: 210
TRAIL CREEK FIRE:
Ground crews continue to improve and reinforce handline along the western flank near
May Creek and along the Three Mile area, east of Anderson Mountain. The line will be
"plumbed" with pumps and hoses, as a precautionary measure. Helicopter bucket drops
have effectively kept the fire "in check" along Three Mile Ridge where isolated and group
tree torching were observed. Crews continue to remove hazard trees from the May Creek
area, mop-up smoldering fuels, and monitor remaining hot spots throughout the fire.
Crews continue to work on a suppression repair plan, in consultation with agency
resource advisors.
ALDER CREEK
Location: 7 miles west of Wise River
Star t date: July 8, 2021
Size: 14,125 acres (IR mapping-8/29)
Percent Complete: 24%
Cause: Unknown
Total personnel: 168
ALDER CREEK FIRE:
Firefighters continue to backhaul excess water-handling equipment on the west side of the
Pioneer Scenic Byway, monitor areas of heat on the fire, and assess suppression repair
needs. Heavy equipment on the northern side of the fire will work on repairing roads used
in suppression operations. Crews continue to monitor the large fuels smoldering in the
interior of the fire; no significant fire growth is expected.
CHRISTENSEN
Location:12 miles west of Wise River
Star t date: July 16, 2021
Size: 11,134 acres (IR mapping-8/29)
Percent Complete: 20%
Cause: Unknown
Total personnel: 14
CHRISTENSEN FIRE:
Heavy equipment resources will continue with cut material removal operations as weather
and safety permit. Scattered heat and visible smoke remains in the Trident Peak area,
where pockets of fuel continue to burn out within the perimeter. Forward progression of
the fire is not expected, although the fire is expected to continue slowly backing into
Bryant Creek when the winds and slope align. The south side of the fire has stalled along
the Pattengail Fire footprint, which has served as a natural barrier for confining the fire.
TODAY'S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Yesterday's weather included temperatures in the low 70s and minimum relative humidity
around 20-25%. The gradual drying trend continues for the next few days, with
temperatures rising a few degrees and relative humidity slowly dropping. A thermal belt
kept temperatures warmer last night (by 6 degrees), and overnight relative humidity
recoveries were poor. These conditions may result in an earlier start to the burn window.
Instability today could bring gusty southwest winds up to 20 mph. Monday will be the
most critical day, with temperatures, wind, and relative humidity approaching critical
values. Cooler weather is expected to return mid-week.
The increase in fire activity the last couple of days is indicative of weather conditions
associated with the current drying trend. Areas of concentrated heat in Salix Creek and
Trident Peak may lead to a slight increase in fire activity and smoke production. These
areas, sheltered from the predicted winds, involve interior islands of fuel burning out
within the perimeter. Single and group tree torching on the western side of the Trail
Creek Fire along Three Mile Creek ridge is likely to continue, due to the slope alignment
and solar heating of the fuels with the morning sun. With the predicted southwest winds,
these areas should burn back onto already burned portions of the fire.
SAFETY:
Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are open to through traffic. Slow down and
stay alert for firefighting equipment and vehicles, smoke, and downed trees. Motorists
should also watch for bicyclists, hikers, and vehicles operating at slower speeds.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS:
Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire
restrictions. Check mtfireinfo.org and idahofireinfo.com for the latest information.
CLOSURES:
The Continental Divide Trail is closed from Rock Creek to Mussigbrod Creek. The Big
Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. May Creek Campground remains
closed.
Closure orders are in effect on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-Challis National
Forests. Forest officials are consulting with fire managers to reassess and re-evaluate their
closure areas. The BLM has modified their closure area in association with the Alder Creek
Fire. All closure information can be found on the Inciweb pages and agency websites.
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