Alder Creek Fire Current Size: 5,676 Acres Current Containment: 3% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 308 Engines: 16 Hand crews: 6 Alder Creek Fire: The fire experienced minimal growth yesterday, slowly moving towards the Hwy 43 and Pioneer Scenic Byway corridors. Crews focused on stopping the main fire by using tactical fire to remove burnable fuels, but rain has slowed firing operations. Fire engines and hand crews continue to hold and improve containment lines and protect structures today. Fire growth is expected to be slower today, however potential high winds accompanying thunderstorms may increase fire spread. Trail Creek Fire Current Size: 23,875 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 126 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 3 Trail Creek Fire: The fire grew minimally yesterday, continuing 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. Firefighters are working to stop the fire from spreading to the Continental Divide. Fire growth is expected to be slower today, however potential high winds accompanying thunderstorms may increase fire spread. Christensen Fire Current Size: 210 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: 1 Total personnel: 1 Engines: Hand Crews: Christensen Fire: Currently the fire is at 210 acres and is located approximately six miles west of the Alder Creek Fire. No structures are threatened at this time. A Branch Director has been assigned and is identifying primary and alternative control lines. WEATHER: All three fires received rain yesterday. The potential for thunderstorms and high winds are possible again this afternoon and evening and should hold moisture. Temp: Max 80F; Humidity: 20-25% Wind: SW 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 25 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. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Forest ordered Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires, stove fires, charcoal barbecues and grills are prohibited unless using permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites.

Size: 7,247 (IR mapping) Percent Completion: 34% Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 261 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 2 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews CURRENT STATUS: An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 7,247 acres. In the northeast, crews constructed additional line for a potential burn-out operation today that aims to contain a small section of concentrated heat. Crews continue to look for additional opportunities for line construction southwest of Hoodoo Pass and along Forest Service Trail 6410 north into the West Fork Madison River. These lines will serve as the basis for future burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank. Crews "mopped-up" residual heat along the north, east and south sides of the fire, increasing completion of objectives to 34% yesterday. Helicopters assisted with bucket drops in the north, where the fire was active in heavy timber. Crews also searched for spot fires, "gridding" (systematically covering an area) in unburned fuels in the north and found no heat in the areas outside of the fire perimeter. Crews will continue the mop-up operation today, aiming to increase the depth of the "cold black" inward from the constructed lines. Extensive mop-up is necessary in areas with thick duff and ground fuels that tend to hold residual heat over time. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: The fire received minimal precipitation from yesterday's thunderstorms. Lightning ground strikes were spotted near the fire area. Early morning conditions at the fire area included fog and heavy dew. Today's temperatures are expected in the high 70s with clear skies this morning and a slight chance of scattered showers in the afternoon. Wind gusts could reach up to 25 mph, and relative humidity is expected to remain in the mid 20s. Tomorrow will bring unsettled weather as a cold front, with winds gusting 30+ mph and minimum relative humidity in the low teens, approaches the area. Good overnight recovery of relative humidity levels will delay more active fire behavior until the afternoon hours. With sunny skies and lower relative humidity in the coming days, grass and sage fuels may become more available to burn. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with isolated torching and short crown runs possible. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information can be found here: STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is currently in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These fire restrictions will tighten on Saturday morning, as the Forest implements Stage 2. All campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also affect smoking and the use of internal combustion engines. Current restrictions information can be found at www.mtfireinfo.org . SAFETY & NOTIFICATIONS: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire, in effect from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

Several angling restrictions on rivers in southwest, north-central and south-central Montana go into effect today due to warming temperatures and low flows. The restrictions include what are commonly known as “hoot owl” restrictions, which means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. Some waters are under full fishing closures, which prohibit fishing at all times of day. These closures and restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. The following closure went into effect today: A full fishing closure for portions of the Shields River from the confluence with Yellowstone River to USFS Crandal Creek Bridge. These closures go into effect, Wednesday, July 21, at 12:01 a.m.: A full fishing closure for portions of the Big Hole River from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site. A full fishing closure for portions of the Gallatin River from the mouth to Hwy 84 Crossing. A full fishing closure for the entire Jefferson River. These restrictions go into effect, Wednesday, July 21, at 2 p.m.: Hoot owl restrictions for the entire reach of the Madison River from the mouth to the boundary with Yellowstone National Park. Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Beaverhead River from the mouth to State Highway 91 South. Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Missouri River from Town of Cascade Boat Ramp to Holter Dam. Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Stillwater River from the confluence with Yellowstone River to Absaroka Fishing Access Site. Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Yellowstone River Hwy 212 Bridge in Laurel to Yellowstone National Park boundary. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ drought policy provides for angling closures when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue during the coming weeks. Angling restrictions are implemented based on several considerations: stream flow, water temperatures, angling pressure and other angling restrictions in the area that may divert use to waterways where circumstances are increasing stress on the fishery. When conditions are stressful for fish, disease outbreaks and fish kills are to be expected. The public should report any unusual sightings of dead or diseased fish to their local FWP office. Under normal conditions, fish can fight off infections. However, under the stress of high temperatures and low flows, they are more susceptible to these diseases. Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur: Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted. Land the fish quickly. Keep the fish in water as much as possible. Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier. Let the fish recover before releasing it. Before you go fishing, please be aware of the conditions. Numerous other rivers in Montana are also under fishing restrictions. For a full list, visit FWP’s website: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions . If you’re looking for angling opportunities, many ponds, lakes and reservoirs in Montana provide good mid-summer angling options. For more information go online to fwp.mt.gov . Streams at higher elevations that don’t experience higher temperatures are another good option.

The fire is currently at 141 acres and burning six miles west of the Alder Creek Fire. No structures are threatened at this time. They have assigned a Branch Chief to this fire. We will update you with more information on this fire as it becomes available.

Alder Creek Current Size: 5,674 Acres Current Containment: 3% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 296 Engines: 16 Hand crews: 2 Alder Creek Fire: The fire experienced minimal growth yesterday, slowly moving towards the Hwy 43 and Pioneer Scenic Byway corridors. Crews focused on stopping the main fire by using tactical fire to remove burnable fuels, but rain has slowed firing operations. Fire engines and hand crews continue to hold and improve containment lines and protect structures today. Fire growth today is expected to be slower due to wetting rain. See Update Below Trail Creek Current Size: 23,090 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 3 Trail Creek Fire : The fire grew minimally yesterday, continuing to push slowly east along the Hwy 43 corridor. Thanks to strategic firing in past days, the Big Hole National Battlefield and adjacent private structures suffered no damage. The plan is to continue with 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. A Hotshot crew is working to arrest the fire spread before it reaches the Continental Divide. Fire growth is expected to be slow today due to wetting rain. WEATHER: Both fires received rain yesterday. The potential for thunderstorms and high winds are possible this afternoon and evening, and should hold moisture. Temp: Max 78F; Humidity: 30‐50% Wind: SW 10‐15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittently opened and closed depending on fire conditions. Please check the Montana DOT website: Road Report MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho Boarder 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. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Forest moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires, stove fires, charcoal barbecues and grills are prohibited unless using permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites.

Friday, July 23rd there will be a Teddy Bear Picnic at 2:00 pm in Jaycee Park. This event is free and will by hosted by retired Dillon Librarian, Marie Habener, with help from the Girl Scouts. The picnic will be held in conjunction with Dillon's 2nd annual History Days. This will be a fun event. The first Teddy Bear was created in the early 1900's and named for President Theodore Roosevelt. There will be stories and light Teddy Bear themed refreshments. This program is sponsored by The Bookstore. Please call 683-6807 if you have questions.

Following requests from Governor Greg Gianforte, U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester, and U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized the use of some Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for emergency haying and grazing. “With extremely dry conditions persisting across the state, Montana ranchers are in dire need of forage for their herds,” Gov. Gianforte said. “USDA’s decision to allow for emergency haying and grazing on some CRP acres will greatly benefit our farmers and ranchers, and I urge them to go a step further and open up all of Montana’s participating CRP acreage to Montana ag producers.” Following his disaster declaration on July 1, Gov. Gianforte urged USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to declare all counties throughout the state of Montana as primary natural disaster areas and allow for emergency haying and grazing on all of Montana’s participating CRP acreage. In the last month, Sens. Daines and Tester and Rep. Rosendale also called on USDA to open CRP for emergency haying and grazing. Sen. Daines and Rep. Rosendale also joined the governor in requesting drought relief for all Montana counties.

Size: 6,388 Percent Completion: 24% Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 308 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 4 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews CURRENT STATUS: Mechanical issues and adverse weather conditions resulted in the inability to run infrared (IR) mapping flights over the fire's perimeter the last two nights. The acreage is estimated at 6,388 based on on-the-ground knowledge of areas burned. The IR flights are a national fire asset, not specific to Goose Fire, and when operational, aircraft and technicians can conduct IR scans on as many as 25 fires in a single night of work. Crews' focus will be to "mop-up" residual heat on the fire's edge to reduce the risk of the fire spotting and burning across their lines. Crews in the southwest are also conducting burn-out operations as necessary to contain the fire along the Brimstone Trail. In the north, crews are monitoring the fire's progress in areas where they conducted burn-out operations over the weekend. Crews have found and suppressed a few spots in the areas of green, unburned fuels. A heavy equipment task force on the southwest flank completed line construction east of Snowshoe Pass, connecting to already established fireline along Brimstone Trail. Equipment will continue this along the ridgeline, dropping down into West Fork Madison area. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: The fire camp area received light rain overnight. Several pulses of thunderstorm activity are expected today. Stronger, more severe storms, with small hail, wind gusts up to 50 mph, heavy downpours, and lightning, are possible this afternoon. Wind directions will be erratic with multiple wind shifts due to outflows throughout the day. More moisture in the atmosphere could result in wetting rain over the fire area. Tomorrow looks to be a transition day with the weather, as a cold front passage is forecast for Thursday. Erratic winds due to passing thunderstorms may throw embers or cause burning snags to fall across the line, causing spot fires. However, very little fire growth is expected due to unreceptive fuels in the area where spotting may occur. Grass and sage fuels will be unavailable to burn, given the higher relative humidity values. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder with peak burning hours between 5pm and 8pm. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information can be found here STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Current restrictions information can be found here Campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) are prohibited in the area unless using permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites. Smoking, unless in a vehicle, a building, or an area 3 feet in diameter cleared of vegetation, is also restricted.

Alder Creek Fire Current as of7/19/2021, 7:20:36 AM Current Size: 5,670 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 296 Engines: 16 Hand crews: 6 Planned Actions: Structure protection/point protection around threatened primary structures. Continue construction on indirect line between fire and structures as overhead allow. Strategic burning out along primary control line to around adjacent primary structures. Weather Concerns: Despite the smoke, afternoon temperatures on Sunday climbed into the 80s to lower 90s while relative humidity dropped to 10% today. Winds were generally light and terrain driven with a few gusts to 20 mph along the higher terrain. For Monday, A RED FLAG WARNING is forecast from noon through midnight with possible erratic wind gusts up to 50 MPH and lightning. These conditions may create critical fire danger and rapid spread/growth of both the Alder Creek and Trail creek fires. Projected Incident Activity: 12 hours: Fire spread will continue in all directions. 24 hours: Fire activity will increase as fuels dry. RH values drop into the mid to low teens. Surface fire, single tree, and group torching with some passive crown fires. 48 hours: Terrain and wind driven runs with short spotting and group torching And passive crown fires. Fire will actively burn in receptive fuels after the morning inversion lifts. 72 hours: Fire will be threatening 146 primary structures along Hwy 43 and may be threatening the Pioneer scenic by-way with additional structures. Anticipated after 72 hours: Fire will be threatening an additional 28 primary structures along Hwy 43, an additional 20 primary structures along Hwy 73, and may be threatening the Pioneer scenic by-way with additional structures. Two drones were spotted violating the temporary flight restriction over the Alder Creek fire yesterday. When people fly drones near wildfires, aircraft in the area are grounded to avoid the potential for a midair collision. Delaying airborne response poses a threat to firefighters on the ground, residents, and property in nearby communities, and it can allow wildfires to grow larger. Trail Creek Fire Current as of7/19/2021, 7:49:50 AM Current Size: 23,090 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 2 Planned Actions: Continuing point source protection on existing FS cabins and NPS Big Hole Battlefield. Confine and contain where there are opportunities with the highest degree of success. Several private residences near Big Hole Battlefield will necessitate a structure protection plan. Weather Concerns: Despite the smoke, afternoon temperatures on Sunday climbed into the 80s to lower 90s, while relative humidity dropped into the teens again today. Winds were generally light and terrain driven with a few gusts to 20 mph along the higher terrain. For Monday, a RED FLAG WARNING is in effect noon to midnight with potential for dry thunderstorms and erratic winds up to 50 MPH and lightning. These conditions may create critical fire danger and rapid spread/growth of both the Alder Creek and Trail Creek fires. Current fire weather seems to be a month earlier than in previous years. Conditions are above the 97th percentile. Projected Incident Activity: 12 hours: Fire will continue to grow in all directions due to the heavy fuel loading and Beetle kill trees. Fire will continue to impact the Hwy 43 corridor and Pioneer Scenic Byway. Terrain driven runs with short range spotting, group torching and passive crown fires are anticipated. 24 hours: Fire will remain very active as Relatively Humidity values drop, potentially, into the low teens. Expect fire movement up and across slope with the predicted weather. Potential for large fire growth. RED FLAG WARNING for dry thunderstorms and erratic wind gusts up to 50 MPH and lightning. 48 hours: The fire will continue to threaten and impact the Hwy 43 corridor. The fire will continue to spot and move in all directions. Terrain driven runs with short range spotting, group torching and passive crown fires are anticipated. Fire will actively burn in receptive fuels after the morning inversion lifts. 72 hours: Fire will continue to spot and move in all directions. Bitterroot NF, Darby Sula RD is less than 3 air miles to the North and Salmon-Challis NF is to the south and west and in Forest Service's Region 4. Anticipated after 72 hours: Fire will be a long term event and will burn through the fire season until a season ending event produces moisture. If the fire receives moisture it will slow the growth but maintain its presence. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittingly opening and closing depending on fire conditions. Please check the Montana DOT website: Road Report MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho Boarder NW to Chief Joseph Pass and NE to Trail 3062. • Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for both fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead‐Deerlodge National Forest website for specific information.

July 21, 2021 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A. MINUTES 1. Approve July 7, 2021 Public Hearing Minutes 2. Approve July 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes B. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS C. MAYOR’S REPORT 1. Discuss/Approve Request to Buy the 2007 City Bus 2. Approve 2 nd Reading of Ordinance Revisions to Title 10 – Vehicles and Traffic D. REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1. Library Board – John McGinley, Council Member; Lori Roberts, Library Director 2. Attorney – James Dolan 3. Planning Board- Don Hand; Bill Shafer 4. Zoning Commission – Raymond Graham; Russ Schwandt a. Accept May 25, 2021 Meeting Minutes b. Accept June 29, 2021 Meeting Minutes 5. Director of Operations - Todd Hazelbaker 6. Police Department – Chief Don Guiberson a. Approve June 2021 Activity Report 7. Fire Department - Fire Chief, BJ Klose a. Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for June 2021 b. Approve Budget vs Expenditures for Fire Hall for June 2021 8. City Court – Judge Kaylan Minor 9. Treasurer – Karen Kipp 10. Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke E. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. Judiciary Committee – Dan Nye, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke, Raymond Graham 2. Finance Committee – Don Hand, Chair; Russ Schwandt; Dan Nye a. Approve July 15, 2021 Committee Meeting Minutes 3. Fire and Order Committee – Bill Shafer, Chair; Russ Schwandt; Raymond Graham 4. Health and Welfare – John McGinley, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke; Diane Armstrong 5. Cemetery Committee - Don Hand, Chair; Bill Shafer; Diane Armstrong 6. Parks Committee – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Chair; Bill Shafer; John McGinley 7. City Hall Committee – Raymond Graham, Chair; Dan Nye, John McGinley 8. Street and Alley Committee – Dan Nye, Chair; Don Hand, Russ Schwandt a. Approve July 8, 2021 Meeting Minutes i. Approve Resolution Establishing Costs Of The Proposed Schedule Of Projects, Repairs, And Improvements Of Street Maintenance District For Fiscal Year 2021-2022 9. Water and Sewer Committee – Don Hand, Chair; Russ Schwandt, Raymond Graham a. Approve July 13, 2021 Meeting Minutes i. Approve Recommendation to Upgrade Telemetery System for $143,000 ii. Approve Recommendation to Purchase a New Leak Detection Device for up to $4,200 F. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY G. ADJOURNMENT 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

The Black Mountain Fire is located approximately 21 miles east of Salmon, ID on the Montana side. They have a type 3 Incident Management Team immobilizing resources to help fight this fire. The fire is in dead and downed timber with some brush and grass as fuels. Making it difficult to get to. The fire currently has a Type 6 Engine crew working with the Dillon District. On Sunday forest service workers traveled to North and South Van Houten Campgrounds, Reservoir Lake Campground and Bloody Dick Cabin to give early warning of this closure to campers in those areas. We will update you with more information on this fire as it becomes available.

Jessica Murray, MSU Beaverhead County Extension Agent, will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, July 21, 2021. She will provide information on programs and services that are available through the Extension Service and the Extension Service’s community involvement. Visitors are welcome. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary should come at noon to be a guest for lunch. The Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, 203 East Glendale St. For more information, email John O’Brien at john@highpeaksfcu.com or Tina Giem at tgiem@barretthospital.org .

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Tuesday, July 20, 2021 3:00 P.M. 1. Discuss/Recommend FY2021-2022 Preliminary Budget Items a. Payroll by Person and Payroll by Department b. Tax Funds c. Revolving Funds d. Senior Citizens e. Sewer f. Water g. Cemetery 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 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

Size: 6,258 (last IR flight 7/18) Percent Completion: 21% Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 308 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 3 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews CURRENT STATUS: There was no infrared mapping flight last night due to mechanical issues. On the northwest edge of the fire, crews completed burn-out operations, eliminating unburned fuels between the established fire line and the fire's edge, south along the Jackpine Gulch Road and east toward the Cliff Lake Bench. Ground crews, assisted by helicopters, were able to pick up and suppress all hot spots across the line. The wide, constructed fuel breaks successfully kept the majority of the fire on the ground and out of the tree crowns. Crews will continue to monitor the fire's progress and hot spots in heavy fuels along the lines in these areas. Crews in the southwest were again successful in keeping the fire north of Brimstone Trail, conducting burn out operations as necessary to stay in- line with the fire's progression to the west. A heavy equipment task force on this corner of the fire is constructing line east of Snowshoe Pass, connecting to already established fireline along Brimstone Trail. Crews assessed structures in West Fork Cow Camp, placing sprinklers and water handling equipment as a precautionary measure. In the east, crews continue to mop-up and secure the line, removing residual heat and ensuring "cold black." Crews will deal with an area of concentrated heat picked up by a previous overnight infrared flight; the heat is interior to the constructed line. Extensive mop-up is needed, as extremely dry fuels hinder the mop-up process. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect from 12pm to 12am today due to the threat of lightning and gusty, erratic outflow winds up to 45 mph. Temperatures will climb to the lower 80s, with relative humidity around 20%. Winds from the southwest will be 10-20 mph, with stronger gusts in the afternoon hours and around thunderstorms. A better chance of thunderstorms and rain arrives in the evening hours tonight. Stronger, move severe storms, with hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph, are possible tomorrow. A slight cooling trend, with a chance of precipitation, follows. Fire is expected to start carrying in the sagebrush as these fuels dry and cure out. Short crown runs, group torching, and short-range spotting are expected. The intensity and the rate of fire spread in the Meridian drainage will likely increase, as winds pick up and the fire moves into an area with thick pockets of continuous fuels. Broken, non-continuous fuels and changes in topography are helping to slow fire spread in the far southwest corner of the fire. The fire is likely to spread, especially where winds and topography align with the heavier, continuous fuels. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Current restrictions information can be found at www.mtfireinfo.org

Firefighters were called out Sunday afternoon around 4PM, as the Armstead fire has reignited. The hot dry temperatures, along with the wind, caused the reignition. Beaverhead Volunteer fire, along with the DNC, are at the scene. Support from a helicopter and airplane are also on scene. We will update this as more details become available.

Size: 6,258 (infrared flight) Percent Completion: 17% Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 306 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 3 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews CURRENT STATUS: An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 6,258 acres, showing areas of heat in the southwest corner and along the west/northwest flank. Ground crews, assisted by helicopters dropping water, successfully caught and secured several small spot fires burning in the sage and grass on the northern edge of the fire. To the northwest, crews will continue burn-out operations to eliminate unburned fuels between the established fire line and the fire's edge, progressing to the first switchback of Hoodoo Pass Road. Crews in the southwest will continue to secure spots and keep the fire north of Brimstone Trail, conducting burn out operations as necessary to stay in- line with the fire's movement to the west. In the east, crews will continue to mop-up and secure the line, cleaning up and removing residual heat. Extensive mop-up is needed in the areas with a dry, deep duff layer that is holding residual heat. A heavy equipment task force will relocate to the southwest corner of the fire via Landon Road, where they will construct line east of Snowshoe Pass, connecting to already established fireline along Brimstone Trail. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Relative humidity will likely remain in the low teens today. High temperatures are expected in the high 80s and low 90s. Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds are possible over the fire area this afternoon. The chance of thunderstorms increases early next week, with increasing clouds on Monday as moisture arrives from the Southwest and with potential for hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph on Tuesday. These warmer, drier conditions are likely to result in more active fire behavior and a longer burn period. Fire is expected to start carrying in the sagebrush as these fuels dry and cure out, but still with limited spread. Short crown runs, group torching, and short-range spotting are expected. The intensity and the rate of fire spread in the Meridian drainage will likely increase, as winds pick up and the fire moves into an area with thick pockets of continuous fuels. The fire is likely to continue spreading at a rate of around 1/2 to a mile per day in the most active areas of the fire, especially where winds and topography align with the fuels. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest expanded the area closure around the fire area, extending the boundaries due to recent fire progression. Official closure information can be found here :

Alder Creek Current Size: 4,136 Acres Current Containment: 0% Location : 7 miles west of Wise River, MT Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 287 Engines: 13 Hand crews: 6 While there is little growth to the west, the fire continues to spread to the east and south. Protecting homes and structures remains the main priority. Crews will continue structural protection efforts today along Hwy 43 and the Pioneer Byway by manning pumps, patrolling with engines and posting lookouts to watch the fire throughout the day. As the fire approaches Hwy 43 and the Pioneer Byway, crews will utilize strategic firing operations as needed to eliminate unburned fuel between the main fire and resources at risk. The Sheriff’s Department will keep all evacuations in place through the weekend given the existing weather conditions Trail Creek Current Size: 19,848 Acres Current Containment: 0% Location: 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 2 The majority of fire growth continues to be towards the east and southeast. Crews on the east side of the fire are working to protect structures along the Hwy 43 corridor to the east, with emphasis around the Big Hole National Battlefield and private property south of Hwy 43. Crews on the west side of the fire are focused on preventing the fire from crossing the Continental Divide. Fire spread to the north is being slowed by the Rat Fire scar while growth to the south is being slowed by the Blackwall fire scar. WEATHER: Sunday will be another warm, dry and sunny day. Above normal temperatures, low relative humidity and afternoon winds may provide for growth of both the Alder Creek and Trail Creek fires. Temp: 82-87 Humidity: 10-13% Wind: WSW 5-10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittingly opening and closing depending on fire conditions. Please check the Montana DOT website: Road Report. MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho Boarder NW to Chief Joseph Pass and NE to Trail 3062. • Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for both fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website for specific information.

We just received news of a new closure due to the Trail Creek Fire Closed Area : All NFS lands in the North Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest in the area bounded at the junction of U.S. Route 93 and MT-43, then following south along National Forest System Road (NFSR) #081 Anderson Mountain Road, then continuing east/southeast/south along the Continental Divide to Pyramid Peak at 45.45534, -113.78534, then continuing west to the junction of National Forest System Trail (NFST) #6129 South Fork of Sheep Creek Trail and NFST # 6111 Continental Divide Trail, then continuing west following NFST #6129 South Fork of Sheep Creek Trail, NFSR #256 South Fork of Sheep Creek Road, NFSR #071 Fourth of July Creek Road, and NFST #6132 Stein Mountain Trail to the junction of NFST #6136 Big Silverleads Trail, then south along NFST #6136 Big Silverleads Trail to the junction of NFST #6130 Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, then following NFST #6130 Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to U.S. Route 93, then following U.S. Route 93 north to the point of beginning at the junction of U.S. Route 93 and MT-43. The full closure order can be seen here:

Want to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors? Well Bannack Days is back, after having to take last year off due to the pandemic. Bannack Days happens every third weekend in July. The streets come to life as period reenactors take to the street to give you a taste of what days gone by where like. Vendors line the streets to offer you a snow cone to beat the heat, period clothing you can rent, as well as many different foods from hot dogs, hamburgers, to popcorn. Bring cash as most cannot accept credit cards due to limited cell service. If you missed it today don't worry it will be going on tomorrow from 9AM to 4:30 PM. Bannack Days does have a special admission fee of $5 per a person. For more information check out the page here .