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Writer's pictureJeremy Crawford

Trail Creek Fire Over 24,000 Acres Burned Additional Closures Issued

Alder Creek

Current Size: 6,298 Acres

Current Containment: 3%

Resources Assigned:

Total personnel: 303

Engines: 16

Hand crews: 6



Alder Creek Fire: The fire continued slow growth yesterday toward Hwy 43 and

the Pioneer Scenic Byway corridors. Crews remain focused on stopping the main

fire by using tactical fire to remove burnable fuels, but rain has slowed firing

operations. Crews will continue to improve containment lines and protect

structures today in preparation of dryer and warmer conditions arriving

tomorrow.



Trail Creek

Current Size: 24,143 Acres

Current Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned:

Total personnel: 147

Engines: 4

Hand Crews: 4


Trail Creek Fire: The fire continued to push slowly east along the Hwy 43 corridor.

Strategic firing at the Big Hole National Battlefield protected adjacent private

structures and the Visitor Center. Firefighters will continue holding lines and

working hotspots. South of Hwy 43, the plan is to hold the fire on Butler Creek

where it intersects with Foothills Rd. Along the Continental Divide, crews are

focusing suppression efforts to keep the fire out of the Salmon-Challis NF and

protect the community of Gibbonsville, by improving existing fuel breaks along

the western fire perimeter.



Christensen

Current Size: 214 Acres

Current Containment: 0%

Resources Assigned: 1

Total personnel: 1


Christensen Fire: Fire is backing into Toomey Creek drainage. No structures are

threatened at this time. Firefighters are identifying control lines using old roads

and natural features such as creeks and old fire scars.



WEATHER: Isolated thunderstorms are possible today - mainly south and east of

the Alder Creek fire. A drying trend begins later today with breezy westerly winds

behind a cold front. This could lead to a brief period of critical fire weather

conditions. Drier and breezy conditions are expected Friday with no chance of

precipitation. A Fire Watch has been issued for Friday starting at noon.

Temp: Max 80F; Humidity: 20-25%

Wind: WNW 10-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon.



MAJOR CLOSURES:

• Hwy 43 has been intermittently opened and closed depending on fire

conditions. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website:

MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status.


• Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho border NW to Chief

Joseph Pass and NE to Trail 3062.

• Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South Van

Houten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes and May Creek Campgrounds are closed.

• Forest Closure orders are in effect for all three fires. Visit the Closure Section

on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and Salmon-Challis NF websites for specifics.


The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest issued a revised closure order on July

19, 2021, to include additional campgrounds, trails, and recreation areas. Please

visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ for more details.





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