Trail Creek Fire
CURRENT SIZE: 1900 acres
CONTAINMENT: 0%
LOCATION 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT, north of Hwy 43 near Shoofly Creek
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE:4 engines, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, 1 helicopter, 1 Dozer, 2 Heavy Equipment Task Force, 1 Wild Fire Management Module and miscellaneous support under a Type 3 organization.
NARRATIVE: The fire grew to 1900 acres yesterday. Due to Red Flag Warning and continued dry weather with gusty winds in the afternoon, the fire actively burned with numerous spot fires. Fire perimeter progression is in an area difficult for firefighters to access due to rough terrain, numerous snags, and a significant amount of dead and down trees.
YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: The fire burned actively, spotting to the east and south of the main fire. One helicopter dropped water to try and slow the spread of the fire. Crews completed an indirect line to protect the private property in Trail Creek and a small burnout was implemented to further the goal. Sprinklers were installed at the May Creek Cabin to help protect the cabin and nearby area. Indirect options are being assessed to the east and south of the fire.
TODAY’S PLAN: Continue to assess progression of the fire north and south of Hwy 43, limit fire spread to the east and south utilizing suppression tactics and existing natural barriers, protect the May Creek and Hogan Cabins, and hold fire in Elk Creek. Implement indirect options on the east flank. A dozer line is being assessed for the east side of the fire. The fire will transition to a Type 1 Incident Command team tomorrow.
TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Dry conditions continue today, with northwest winds gusting to 16 mph, along with very unstable conditions will lead to elevated fire weather conditions. Northwest winds relax after 7:00 p.m.
SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighters safety is always the primary concern . There is currently an area and trail closure in effect. This order closes a portion of Continental Divide Trail. Closure orders and maps are located on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest web page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices Hwy 43 remains open to traffic but could be closed if fire behavior becomes extreme.
Alder Creek Fire
YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Inversions yesterday slowed fire activity until early evening when winds picked up and pushed the fire east. The fire is currently at 282 acres, with group torching and spotting.
TODAY’S PLAN: Today’s weather calls for cooler temperatures and lighter winds. However, relative humidity values remain low with poor humidity recoveries overnight, which means fire activity will occur earlier in the day. Crews will continue to construct fireline in the Alder Creek drainage, install sprinklers, and lay hose in preparation for burnout operations.
There are currently seven engines and two dozers assigned to the fire, with aviation resources available for initial attack. The fire will transition to a Type 1 Incident Command Team tomorrow.