Fire size: 7,522 acres Containment: 78% Resources assigned: • 152 personnel • 5 engines • 2 helicopters • 2 Type 2 handcrews • 1 fire suppression module Moderate conditions across the Goose Fire today helped firefighters make progress on a plan to corral its stubborn west flank. The Goose Fire grew 26 acres to 7,522 acres yesterday, and remains 78% contained. Out on the line, firefighters focused their efforts on building and reinforcing dozer and handlines west of the fire, between the West Fork of the Madison River and Snowshoe Pass. As a key part of Incident Commander Gabe Holguin’s strategy to secure full containment of the Goose Fire, crews and equipment will continue working on these indirect lines for the next several days. Elsewhere on the fire, crews continued mop-up and suppression repair activities. Fire behavior overall remains moderate, giving firefighters time to fully prepare primary and contingency lines for future fire movement and planned burnout operations. Monsoonal moisture and thunderstorms are predicted across the region today through Sunday, with the Goose Fire specifically forecast to receive wetting rains. Cool temperatures, light winds, and high humidity during this period should further quiet fire activity and aid firefighters. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest area closures and a temporary flight restriction remain in effect to protect public and firefighter safety during the Goose Fire. Stage 2 fire restrictions are also in place, prohibiting campfires and the use of stove fires and charcoal grills. Closure details are posted on the BDNF website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices and fire restrictions are available at http://www.mtfireinfo.org. There has been significant public interest in the area closure affecting Cliff and Wade Lakes. The forest is continually re-evaluating area closures based upon fire behavior, weather, and proximity to burned areas. Closures will be lifted as soon as an area can be made safe for public access. Among other issues, fire-weakened trees pose a significant safety hazard which must be mitigated before an area can be reopened to the public.

Community Meeting Tonight: Wednesday July 28, 2021 at 7:00 pm at the Copper King Conference Center, 4655 Harrison Ave, Butte MT. The public may also attend from 2 satellite locations at Wise River Community Center and Gibbonsville Improvement Center (GIA) Building. The meeting will be open to the public and live streamed via www.facebook.com/AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek Current Size: 8,849 Acres Current Containment: 10% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 308 Alder Creek Fire: On Wednesday, crews will be improving containment lines and utilizing strategic firing operations in the Alder Creek area on north edge of the fire and Deno Creek and Stine Creek drainages on the eastern edge along Pioneer Byway. Engine crews continue to support structure protection for residences along Hwy 43 and Pioneer Byway. Trail Creek Current Size: 32,933 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 181 Trail Creek Fire: The fire is burning in rugged terrain in Threemile Creek and Nez Perce Creek drainages just west of the Continental Divide. On Wednesday, crews will be evaluating options for control lines above Gibbonsville. Engine crews will continue to support structure protection in Gibbonsville. Firefighters will also improve the Lost Trail Rd on the northwest portion of the fire and the Foothills Rd along the southeast. Strategic firing operations will occur as needed. Christensen Current Size: 4,892 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 18 Christensen Fire: Firefighters will continue to identify potential control lines using old roads, creeks, and previous fire scars. Engine crews will continue structure contingency planning for private homes along Hwy 43 corridor. Weather: Today will bring an increase in humidity and a chance for thunderstorms. Temperatures will rise to low 80’s but may cool during the afternoons due to thickening cloud cover. Smoke looks to hold strong in the valleys and drainages as northwest winds remain below 10 mph. Chance of thunderstorms in the late afternoon may bring lightning and gusty winds. Major Closures: • Hwy 43 remains open. Motorists are asked to slow down and be on the alert for firefighters, heavy smoke, and downed trees. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Lemhi Pass north to Mussigbrod Creek. • 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. Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF: Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF Closures Salmon-Challis NF: Salmon-Challis NF Closures Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect SW Montana: https://www.mtfireinfo.org Evacuations: Beaverhead County Sheriff has Stage 2 Evacuation Orders in effect for Alder Creek Community, Southside of Hwy 43 from Alder Creek Road to Dickie Bridge, and the westside of Pioneer Scenic Byway from airport to Harriet Lou Road Beaverhead Sheriff Stages of evacuation: Evacuation Stages Lemhi County Sheriff has contacted threatened residences on west side of Trail Creek fire in Idaho and placed in “Set” evacuation status. Info: 208-756-8980.

$750,000 available for tourism, recreation projects The Montana Department of Commerce announced the 2022 Tourism Grant cycle opens August 1. Applications for the Tourism Grant Program can be submitted from August 1 through September 15. The Tourism Grant Program funds projects that strengthen Montana’s economy through the development and enhancement of Montana’s tourism and recreation industry. A total of $750,000 is available for projects that develop and enhance tourism and recreation products that have the potential to increase non-resident visitation. “With these grants, the Department of Commerce continues to support the development of tourism and recreation projects, increasing visitors to our state and prompting economic growth and resiliency for many Montana communities,” said Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “As the state’s tourism economy continues to recover from the pandemic, these grants will help Montana remain a major tourism destination for travelers from all over the world.” Applications for the grant funding will be open to non-profit 501(c) organizations, tribal governments, city governments and county governments based in Montana. Eligible projects to be considered for these grants include: Digital product developments for online assets that create or contain destination brand for the tourism and/or recreation industry. Heritage Preservation projects preserve, protect, or restore Montana’s arts, culture and/or heritage treasures. Infrastructure upgrades or enhancement projects of tourism facilities that will enhance the non-resident visitor experience and increase expenditures. Niche Product Development are projects within the three brand pillars that are of interest to non-resident visitors as identified in Montana Destination Brand Research Study. Wayfinding for a community or outdoor recreation opportunity through signage or mapping or destination development. Destination event-only projects or activities are not eligible for consideration in the annual application cycle. A destination event-based grant cycle will be offered through the Tourism Grant Program later this year. The 2022 annual application cycle closes promptly at midnight MST on September 15. Learn more and apply for a Tourism Grant at MARKETMT.COM or contact Michele Cushman via email at TourismGrants@mt.gov or call 406.841.2796. The Tourism Grant Program is funded by the 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax , commonly known as the “Bed Tax”. Enacted by the 1987 Legislature, the Bed Tax is collected from guests of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, resorts, short-term vacation rentals and campgrounds.

CITY HALL COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers July 29, 2021 4:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Call to Order 2. Discuss/Recommend Rental Use Agreement with Dillon Martial Arts Group 3. Discuss/Recommend Selling the 2007 Workhorse Bus 4. Discuss/Recommend Purchase of Frontier Center 5. Discuss/Recommend Roof Repairs on Bus Barn, Pump #3, Shop Building 6. Discuss/Recommend Elevator Addition and ADA Restroom Upgrades to City Hall 7. Report on Dillon History Days 8. Discuss/Recommend Changing Council Rules of Procedure for Time Limit of Public and Censure of Council 9. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 10. Adjournment Committee Members: Raymond Graham - Chairperson Dan Nye John McGinley PLEASE NOTE : The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal (pre-virus). Any who would like to physically attend, are asked to please wear a face covering and practice 6-ft social distancing at the meeting. For those who are cautious about physically attending, a Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528 , allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245 . Please mute your mic until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. Thank you, Michael L. Klakken, Mayor

From Montana Farm Bureau Federation As severe drought conditions and wildfires persist across the state, the Montana Department of Agriculture is reminding agricultural producers of the availability of the Hay Hotline, an online tool that connects those interested in buying, selling, or donating hay or pasture. The Hay Hotline allows producers to enter new listings with descriptions of the forage they have available to sell or donate. It also provides users with an option to search for available hay or pasture. The online tool is maintained by the Montana Department of Agriculture as a service to the agricultural industry with the expectation that all buyers and sellers will treat each other in an equitable and lawful manner. The Hay Hotline is housed on the MDA website at agr.mt.gov/Hay-Hotline . For more information on the Hay Hotline, contact the Agricultural Development & Marketing Bureau at (406) 444-2402 or danielle.jones@mt.gov.

Local taxidermist Scott Lula, owner of Anglers Cast, recently competed in the National taxidermy Associations North American Championships. Held in Sioux Falls South Dakota this event has contestants competing with one another and seeing who has what it takes to make your prize look the most lifelike. The competition has stages for all levels of taxidermist from novice, commercial, open and the division of excellence. Scott competed in and won the Open Division in Warm Water Fishery reproduction, Scott also received a third place in cold water reproductions. Scott uses a technique where he makes the mold from the original specimen in silicone, he then cast the mold in a resin, then hand paints the finished product to get the desired look.

City of Dillon, Montana FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Thursday, July 29, 2021 1:00 P.M. 1. Approval of July 2021 Claims 2. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 3. Adjournment Committee Members: Don Hand, Chairperson Dan Nye Russ Schwandt

Alder Creek Current Size: 8,849 Acres Current Containment: 10% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 310 Alder Creek Fire: On Monday, the fire was active again in the Alder Creek and Deno Creek drainages. Crews will continue to focus efforts in those drainages on Tuesday by improving containment lines and utilizing strategic fire operations when necessary. Engine crews will continue to patrol and support structure protection. Trail Creek Current Size: 32,933 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 137 Trail Creek Fire: The fire has moved west of the Continental Divide into the upper portions of Threemile Creek drainage above Gibbonsvile. The terrain is steep and rugged with numerous snags. Crews are evaluating options for control lines while engines continue to patrol and support structure protection in Gibbonsville. North of Hwy 43, firefighters will continue to enhance the Lost Trail Rd and ensure the Big Hole Battlefield and communication tower are secure. Along the southeast fire perimeter, firefighters will continue preparing the Foothills Road and conduct strategic firing operations as needed. Christensen Current Size: 4,891 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 18 Christensen Fire: The Christensen Fire continued to push to the east on Monday. On Tuesday, firefighters will continue to identify potential control lines using old roads, creeks, and previous fire scars. Engine crews will continue structure contingency planning for private homes along Hwy 43 corridor. Weather: Tuesday will again be hot and dry with temperatures in the mid 80’s and relative humidity dropping to 11-17%. Winds will be out of the west at 10-15 MPH. Although quite dry, thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon with lightning, gusty winds and little to no rain. Deeper moisture later this week will result in increasing humidity s as well as better coverage of thunderstorms. Major Closures: • Hwy 43 remains open. Motorists are asked to slow down and be on the alert for firefighters, heavy smoke, and downed trees. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Lemhi Pass north to Mussigbrod Creek. • 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. Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF: Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF Closures Salmon-Challis NF: Salmon-Challis NF Closures Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect SW Montana: https://www.mtfireinfo.org Evacuations: Beaverhead County Sheriff has evacuation orders in effect: Beaverhead Sheriff More info on the stages of evacuation: Evacuation Stages

Current Size: 968 Acres Current Containment: 0% Location : 13 miles south of Jackson, MT Start Date: July 17, 2021 Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: 91 Personnel SUMMARY The Black Mountain Fire size estimation was 968 acres but we believe has increased. Acreage numbers will be updated following our next InfraRed flight over the fire. Fire behavior has increased slightly with the increase in temperatures and lower relative humidity causing increased smoldering, creeping and singe-tree torching. Increased fire activity occurred along the southeast corner but did not present any issues. Forecasts continue to call for critical fire weather as fuels continue to dry out. Fire movement is expected to increase towards the north and east. Masticators and crews continued work along the Selway Rd and are clearing roads from the Saginaw Bridge to Governor’s Creek. The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Beaverhead County Search and Rescue building and is fully operational. Fire managers on the Black Mountain fire are using full suppression where possible and confine and contain strategies to protect primary residences while reducing the risk to wildland firefighters. Operation and planning staff will employ tactics that are most likely to succeed in our current situation and where the benefits are commensurate with the risk involved and are continually evaluating the situation and may change tactics based on new information and fire behavior. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR TODAY An additional engine, a Type 3 helicopter and two skidgenes arrived yesterday and will integrate with existing crews and continue improving the indirect containment line along the Saginaw and Selway access roads. By cutting brush, small trees and removing dead trees, firefighters are creating a safer place to engage using several firefighting tactics and giving them a higher chance of success should the fire spread in that direction. The additional resources will also be in place in the event that the fire begins to threaten the indirect containment lines. Engine crews along the Skinner Meadows corridor will continue developing a structure protection plan and scout for opportunities to minimize any impact to private infrastructure and land should the fire grow. WEATHER Hot and dry conditions will continue through today. The National Weather Service predicts relative humidity recovery will be poor tonight night. Firefighters anticipate light winds out of the south, with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. Weather is anticipated to be similar tomorrow. There is a slight chance of showers (20%) Tuesday night with higher potential for precipitation on Wednesday evening. CURRENT CLOSURES The Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF in association with the Salmon-Challis NF, issued a Forest Closure Order on July 21, 2021, to include campgrounds, trails and recreation areas on all National Forest systems land in the west Big Holes. Please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ for more details.

Fire size: 7,496 acres Containment: 78% Resources assigned: • 160 personnel • 7 engines • 2 helicopters • 2 Type 2 Handcrews • 1 fire suppression module Management: Incident Commander Gabe Holguin, Type 3 Incident Management Organization As firefighters continued to mop up and patrol contained lines on the Goose Fire today, others scouted potential containment opportunities and planned strategies to deal with the fire’s resistant west flank. The Goose Fire, which remains 78% contained, grew only 25 acres yesterday, to 7,496 acres. A stubborn section of heat on the Goose Fire’s west flank is posing a challenge to firefighters due to its location in the steep, remote Meridian Creek canyon. While the fire is not growing rapidly, the rocky terrain makes it unsafe for handcrews to make a direct attack. Helicopter bucket-drops are being used to check the fire’s slow progression in the area, buying time for Incident Commander Gabe Holguin and his staff to develop a plan for full containment. Contingency lines have been prepared along roads and trails should fire behavior change. Unstable, shifting weather is predicted today, with rising humidity, increased winds, and a potential for afternoon thunderstorms. Weather from Wednesday through Sunday should help firefighters, as monsoonal moisture predominates across the Goose Fire. This pattern will bring cooler temperatures, lighter winds, and higher humidity, along with a significant chance of wetting rains. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest area closures and a temporary flight restriction remain in effect to protect public and firefighter safety during the Goose Fire. Stage 2 fire restrictions are also in place, prohibiting campfires and the use of stove fires and charcoal grills. Closure details are posted on the BDNF website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices and fire restrictions are available at http://www.mtfireinfo.org. The forest is continually re-evaluating area closures based upon fire behavior, weather, and their proximity to burned areas. Closures will be lifted as soon as an area can be made safe for public access. Among other issues, fire-weakened trees pose a significant safety hazard which must be mitigated before an area can be reopened to the public.

FIRE/EVACUATIONS UPDATE- 07/27/2021 Stage 1 - East of Alder Creek Road to MM 62 (Southside of Hwy 43) Stage 2 - All of Aldercreek Stage 2 - West of Alder Creek Road to DIckie Bridge (Southside of Hwy 43) Stage 2 - Scenic Byway from airport to Harriet Lou Road (West side of Hwy 43) REASSESSMENTS are happening DAILY in ALL areas Beaverhead County will meet with the Forest Service THURSDAY to discuss Evacuations at length with the new team. Thank you so much for everyone's patience and hard work during this challenging time!

Alder Creek Current Size: 8,347 Acres Current Containment: 10% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 378 Engines: 15 Hand crews: 6 Alder Creek Fire : Fire activity picked up Sunday due to high winds and low humidity. The fire was active in the Alder Creek and Deno Creek drainages. On Monday, crews will continue to focus efforts in the Alder Creek and Deno Creek areas by improving containment lines and utilizing strategic fire operations when necessary. Engines will continue to patrol and support structure protection. Evacuations: On Sunday, the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office issued a Stage 2 Evacuation Order for residences on southwest side of Hwy 43 from Alder Creek Road north to Dickie Bridge. All other existing evacuations will remain in effect. More info on the stages of evacuation: https://beaverheadcounty.org/wp- content/uploads/2016/12/Evacuation-plan.pdf Trail Creek Current Size: 31,124 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 4 Trail Creek Fire: Fire activity increased on Sunday. The fire worked its way up to the Continental Divide, with approximately 15 acres slopping over to the Idaho side. On Monday, crews will be working along the Continental Divide to address this slop over and improve control lines. North of Hwy 43, firefighters will continue to enhance the Lost Trail Rd and ensure the Big Hole Battlefield and communication tower are secure. Christensen Current Size: 4,070 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 13 Engines: 3 Hand Crews: Christensen Fire: The Christensen Fire was active on Sunday with some uphill runs accompanied by long range spotting. The fire continues to push to the east. Firefighters will continue to identify potential control lines using old roads, creeks, and previous fire scars. Fire growth to the north remains minimal and the fire is still several miles from the Hwy 43 corridor. The Pattengail Creek fire scar is minimizing fire growth to the south. Weather: High pressure will bring continued hot and dry conditions on Monday. Temperatures will reach mid to upper 80’s with relative humidity dropping to 10- 15%. West winds decrease slightly today and will be 5-10 MPH. Monsoonal moisture will begin to stream across the area Tuesday into the rest of the week. This will lead to increasing RH as well as better coverage of thunderstorms. Major Closures: • Hwy 43 remains open. Motorists are asked to slow down and be on the alert for firefighters, heavy smoke, and downed trees. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Lemhi Pass north to Schultz. • 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. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: Interagency fire management officials in southwestern Montana enacted Stage II fire restrictions at midnight, Friday, July 23, 2021. Up to date fire restriction information and a web-based map can be found at: https://www.mtfireinfo.org

PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday July 28th, 2021 4:00 P.M. AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Introduction of Jason Erickson 3. Discussion of 2021-2022 Proposed Budget 4. Update on the Splash Pad 5. Update on Ray Lynch Park Projects a. discussion of waiving water and usage fee for 2021 6. Update on Westside Park Projects 7. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the City. 8. Adjourn Parks Committee Members: Mary Jo O’Rourke, Bill Shafer, John McGinley

The Beaverhead All-Stars' run for state came to a sliding stop today as they were defeated by Boulder Arrowhead with a 17 to 2 final score. Beaverhead came out swinging in the first inning scoring two runs. The next few innings saw Boulder Arrow take control of the game with a few deep hits, and stolen bases that Beaverhead could not make up for. This tournament brought a great deal of players, coaches, tournament helpers, and spectators to our community. Throughout the weekend while Livestreaming the games SWMT News heard more than one participant remark on how well this tournament was run and about the services they received with our local businesses, way to go Dillon. Thank you to all the teams who participated in this and for those who helped organize and run this weekend's tournament.

A post from the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page FIRE UPDATE- 7/25/2021 Stage 2 Evacuations will start at noon today- Alder Creek Road north to Dickie Bridge SW side of Hwy 43 All other existing evacuations will remain in effect.

Size: 7,471 (IR mapping) Percent Completion: 70% Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 193 • Engines: 8 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 2 type 2 crews. CURRENT STATUS: Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team #5 will transfer command to a Type 3 organization on Monday, July 26th. NR Team #5 Operations Section Chief, Gabe Holguin, will be the Type 3 Incident Commander. Crews completed handline to the West Fork Madison River from Forest Service Trail #6410 today, connecting the section of line started southwest of Hoodoo Pass. This line will serve as the basis for future burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank. Crews conducted an isolated burn-out operation in the Meridian Creek drainage, between the meadows and the active edge of the fire to establish a buffer. Helicopters assisted the ground crews with buckets drops. Crews continue to monitor the fire's activity and "mop-up" residual heat along all flanks of the fire. Crews found and addressed several areas of heat along the northern flank. Helicopters also assisted with bucket drops in this area. Demobilization of excess resources will occur over the next few days; some resources are being reassigned to assist with other incidents in the region. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Poor overnight relative humidity recovery will likely result in an earlier and longer burn period. Warm and dry conditions, with lighter winds, will persist through Monday. Tuesday will be a transition day for weather, with unpredictable conditions as monsoonal moisture pushes into the area. There is a better chance for wet thunderstorms Wednesday-Friday. Less drift smoke from other fires and more radiant heat from the sun were over the Goose fire today, resulting in increased fire activity in areas holding residual heat. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with crown runs unlikely. The duff layers and stump holes will continue to hold heat, requiring extensive mop-up. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest area closure is still in effect. Official closure information can be found on their website, under Alerts: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices . The Forest will monitor and re-evaluate the closure area, shrinking the boundary as conditions become safe to do so. Fire-weakened trees are susceptible to winds and pose a threat to firefighters and the public. STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. All campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also affect smoking and the use of various internal combustion engines.

Alder Creek Current Size: 7,281 Acres Current Containment: 10% Location: 7 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Unknown Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 319 Engines: 15 Hand crews: 6 Alder Creek Fire: Fire activity picked up Saturday due to high winds and low humidity. The fire crossed Alder Creek and is now established on the north side of the drainage. A burn crew is planning strategic fire operations to tie the fire into dozer line to the east. On the south, crews are prepared to fire off of containment lines should the fire cross the Deno Creek drainage. Containment lines to the east are holding while crews and engines continue to patrol and focus on structure protection. Trail Creek Current Size: 27,797 Acres Current Containment: 0% Location: 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 4 Trail Creek Fire: North of Hwy 43 the battlefield and communications tower are secure. South of Hwy 43, burning occurred yesterday along containment lines to improve and widen them. Work continues along the Foothills Road to create a “catchers mitt” to prevent fire growth to the east. On the Continental Divide, crews completed five miles of shaded fuel brake on Anderson Rd. A hotshot crew is using tactical firing to tie control lines near the divide into the main fire to keep the fire on the Montana side of the border. Four crews are enhancing Lost Trail Rd to hold the fire to the north. Christensen Current Size: 1,274 Acres Current Containment: 0% Location: 12 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 16, 2021 Cause: Unknown Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 13 Engines: 2 Hand Crews: Christensen Fire: The Christensen Fire was active yesterday and made a two mile run to the east. The Branch Director continues to identify potential control lines using old roads, creeks, and previous fire scars. Fire growth to the north remains minimal and the fire is still several miles from the Hwy 43 corridor. To the south, the Pattengail Creek fire scar is keeping fire growth in check. Weather: High pressure will bring continued hot and dry conditions on Sunday. Temperatures will reach mid 80’s with relative humidity dropping to near 10%. West winds will be 10-15 MPH with gusts to 25 MPH. This will create near critical fire weather conditions across the area. The forecast remains dry through Monday before a chance for storms enters the picture midweek. Temp: Max 86F; Humidity: Min 8-16% Wind: West 5-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Major Closures: • Hwy 43 remains open. Motoroists are asked to slow down and be on the alert for firefighters, heavy smoke and downed trees. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Lemhi Pass north to Schultz. • 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. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: Interagency fire management officials in southwestern Montana enacted Stage II fire restrictions at midnight, Friday, July 23, 2021. Up to date fire restriction information and a web-based map can be found at: https://www.mtfireinfo.org.