Trail Creek, Alder Creek, & Sand Lake Fire Update 09/11/2021

TRAIL CREEK FIRE: Size 49,400 Acres Containment 30%

The fire burned actively again yesterday, with an extended Red Flag Warning. Crews

connect the handline to the black, and then were able to do a back burn to secure the

Gibbisonville Road. Additional crews will be assigned to the area tomorrow, continuing

the handline, and going direct on the fire.

The fire made a good push yesterday towards Gory Ridge, but engine crews and aircraft

responded quickly and kept spot fires from crossing the containment lines. Crews will

continue to improve containment lines, mop up hot spots and monitor.

Cooler temperatures and calmer winds are predicted the next few days, which will

provide fire fighters with a much needs break from extreme conditions and allow them to

improve and create containment lines. The structure protection group remains in place

securing the line near structures and monitoring.

ALDER CREEK FIRE: Size 33,287 Acres Containment 24%

The Alder Creek and Christensen fires have merged and will now be reported as the

Alder Creek Fire. Additional resources are expected to arrive over the next several days.

Cooler conditions are expected today and through the weekend, giving fire fighters a

much needed, break from the extreme conditions.

Late last night, a section of the fire crossed containment lines, burning actively, despite

the late hour. Hand crews and dozers worked together to create containment lines

around the spot and mop up hot spots. Crews will continue to work this area through out

the day today.

Fire activity on the north side of the fire has reduced and crews are evaluating areas to

direct attack on the fire. The structure protection group remains in place near Alder

Creek, monitoring and evaluating structures.

SAND LAKE FIRE: Size 224 Acres Containment 0%

The fire is established and active, growth is minimal, moving slowly along the side of the

mountain. Crews will continue to monitor the fire and evaluate values at risk.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Cooler and calmer weather is predicted for the next few days, with a chance of wetting

rains tomorrow and Saturday. Winds will vary with a chance of some higher wind gusts

near the fire area.

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are open to through traffic. Watch for

increased traffic, school has started in the local communities and hunting season is

ongoing.

CLOSURES:

Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed. The Big Hole National Battlefield

is closed until further notice. May Creek Campground is closed.

Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forests, the Beaverhead-

Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.