Facebook post from the Beaverhead County Sheriffs office. Today the Beaverhead County Sheriff Office EVACUATED homes located from Alder Creek Road to MM 62- 8 in total. Occupants will be allowed to return as soon as it is safe. Keep informed. The success of this guideline requires the cooperation and assistance of informed residents. Stay tuned to the local media outlets for updates. Listen and ask questions when an emergency service representative contacts you. Plan ahead. Preplanning can help you avoid last-minute frustrations. Plan where you will go and WHAT YOU WILL TAKE when you evacuate. Please sign up for text alerts for fire updates and share this info with friends: https://urldefense.com/.../7075__;!!GaaboA

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte declared Montana as a statewide wildland fire emergency in a Facebook Post. The post reads: Facing critical fire conditions that threaten our communities, first responders, and way of life, I today declared a statewide wildland fire emergency in Montana to ensure our first responders have the tools they need to safely and aggressively respond to wildfires. To Montanans and visitors to our beautiful state - please follow local fire restrictions, prepare your homes and communities for wildfire, and recreate and work safely. Our dedicated, courageous first responders are depending on us all. You can see the declaration below

Alder Creek Fire: CURRENT SIZE: 1,380 acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION: 7 miles west of Wise River, SW of HW-43 JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Forest Service, Beaverhead County The Alder Creek fire experienced significant growth yesterday, with isolated and group torching visible from Wise River. The fire crossed over Meadow Ridge into upper Harriet Lou Creek. Today’s weather shows cooler temperatures, light wind, and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Crews will continue implementing structure protection and constructing indirect and direct fireline. The Southern Area Blue Team, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, assumed command of the Alder Creek and Trail Creek fires this morning. The Blue Team is based in the southern United States, however they have operated on numerous large fires throughout the country. In 2007, the Blue Team managed the Pettengill fire outside of Wise River. The team brings community based approaches to working and cooperating with local fire departments, law enforcement, local and state governments, as well as agency fire experts. 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. Projected Incident Activity: 12 hours: Fire spread could continue to the East and North. 24 hours: Fire spread could continue to the East and North. 48 hours: Fire spread could increase dramatically due to expected high winds and poor RH recovery. This would cause evacuations for all residences in the Hwy 43 corridor. 72 hours: Fire will be threatening 60 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 the 40 primary structures along Hwy 43, an additional 20 primary structures along Hwy 73, and may be threatening the Pioneer scenic byway with additional structures. Trail Creek Fire CURRENT SIZE: 8,542 Acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION SW of Hwy 43 in Meadow Creek Area JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Forest Service, Beaverhead County, Bureau of Land Management PERSONNEL AND RESOURCE ASSIGNED: 4 engines, 2 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 1 Incident Management Team. NARRATIVE: The fire grew to 5383 yesterday. Due to the continued hot and dry weather with gusty winds, the fire actively burned with numerous spot fires. The Southern Area Blue, Type I Incident Management Team will assume management of the Alder Creek and Trail Creek Fires on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 13. The team is based in the southern United States, but like all other Type 1 teams in the country, they are similarly qualified and have operated on numerous large fires throughout the country, including Montana. The Blue Team brings community-based approaches to working and cooperating with local fire departments, law enforcement, local and state governments, as well as agency fire experts. Their logistical expertise is required to build a base camp that will give firefighters the support needed for meals, health and safety, rest, and tools and equipment. They also bring technical capabilities with advanced community outreach and information sharing, mapping, aviation resources, heavy equipment, and strategies to contain and suppress the fires. TODAY’S PLAN: Limit fire spread to the east utilizing indirect suppressions tactics and existing natural barriers. Protect May Creek and Hogan Cabins. Assess at risk external values with neighboring forests. Limit hazard exposure to personnel and public. WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today’s winds will be from the northwest 7-12 mph, with gusts up to 18 this afternoon. There will be a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms in the area that will be capable of producing gusty erratic winds up to 25-30 mph. Fire fuels are heavy with lots of dead and down surface fuels. Standing dead timber with low fuel moistures are available for torching and crown runs. Spotting distances will be up to ½ mile. 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 the Continental Divide Trail. A new closure order, expanding the area, will be finalized and posted within the next 24-48 hours. Closure orders and maps are located on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest web page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices . Hwy 43 is closed at Wisdom, MT, west to the junction of Hwy 93.

The City was able to get the UV system up and running and the splash pad is now open. Thank you Jim Valach, Austin Hoerning, and City crew for getting this back open.

CURRENT STATUS: An overnight infrared mapping flight more accurately mapped the fire at 3,790 acres. The fire moved along FS Trail 8388 to the west/southwest, approximately a 1/2 mile north of Elk Lake. The prescribed fire north of Elk Lake from earlier this year and last year's fire to the east of the lake are helping to slow the forward progression of the fire to the south. In addition, the road and the lake itself will assist as barriers that lack vegetation. The fire has not crossed the handline constructed on the southeast side of the fire west of Elk Lake Road. To the north, crews will continue securing areas of concentrated heat on the northeastern flank by digging handline and "plumbing" the area with hoses and water-handling equipment. Aerial resources will be assisting ground crews with bucket drops and with monitoring fire movement. Engine crews are patrolling and monitoring around area structures, including around the lakes and along the road system north of Elk Lake Resort. Heavy equipment resources along Jackpine Road continue to make 1/4-1/2 mile of progress a day on establishing a wide fuel break, connecting the road to the West Fork, to use for potential future burn operations. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today's forecast calls for smoky and mostly sunny skies. High temperatures should reach the low 80s. North winds 8-12 mph, with gusts to 15 mph, are predicted. Relative humidity will fall below 20%, resulting in drier conditions. The fire will likely continue to smolder in heavy, dead fuels in the southeast area of the fire. Fire progression to the south is expected in the timber on the northwest side of Elk Lake, in the Brimstone Creek area. The fire is expected to continue moving at a rate of 1/4 to 1/2 mile per day when fuels, wind, and topography align. Single and group tree torching and short crown runs are expected. Spotting distances up to 1/2 mile are possible. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest announced extended area closures to include the Antelope Prong boat launch and the Wade Lake, Hilltop, and Cliff Point campgrounds. Refunds for reservations will be processed by recreation.gov. The current closure boundary is likely to expand, given recent fire movement. 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 moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions yesterday. 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.

Beaverhead Search and Rescue News Submitted by Mel Rice: Public Relations Officer On Saturday July 10, 4 members of the Beaverhead Search and Rescue participated in a multi-agency simulated rescue mission. The four members participating in this training experience were Nathan Freeman, Lawrence Morrisroe, Tara Remely, and Mark Smith. The training exercise was sponsored by the Madison Valley SAR and included B-D National Forest Service personnel, Ruby Valley SAR, Beaverhead SAR, Butte 1590 SAR, local game wardens, forest LEOs, Madison County law enforcement, Life Flight helicopter, Civil Air Patrol, and EMS from the Madison Valley and Ruby Valley. The training scenario was set up from a past incident where three archery hunters in the Gravelly Range were attacked and badly injured by grizzly bears. The extent of their injuries prevented them from walking back to their camp. Other members of the hunting party walked out, called for help at 3:00 AM and the mission was on. The exercise was set up exactly like the original rescue mission; three injured hunters in the same location, party members calling for help, rescue parties going into basically a grizzly bear infested area to rescue injured individuals. Even though this was a simulated rescue, the threat of bears being in the area was a real concern. Each rescue group had an armed game warden with them the entire time. As the rescue parties went in to recover the injured hunters, the game wardens would explain what to be aware of and how to minimize further bear encounters. When the rescue teams reached the simulated injured hunters, they assessed and treated injuries. After preparing the injured hunters, they were packaged and transported to waiting EMS personnel and a waiting Life Flight helicopter. The personnel on the helicopter were mostly new crew members. Therefore multiple landings, takeoffs, and transfers between ground crews and Life Flight crews were practiced. After all it was a training exercise. Those participating said the training was a very worthwhile exercise. Not only did the participants get experience and gain knowledge of how to work in bear country, how to assess injuries and package injured patients, but also gained valuable experience in working with multiple agencies and coordinating a rescue effort on a very large scale. Beaverhead County Search and Rescue would like to thank the Ruby Valley SAR and Madison Valley SAR for sponsoring this large scale training opportunity and coordinating all the different agencies that participated. What a large undertaking. A job well done ladies and gentlemen. Hopefully we will have other opportunities to work together. Thank You!!!!!!

BEAVERHEAD FIRE DIST. #2 405 N. IDAHO STREET DILLON, MT TUESDAY July 20, 2021 5:00 PM AGENDA: GENERAL BUSINESS PAYMENT OF INVOICES ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE AGENDA

Press release from Mel Rice Search and Rescue P.R.O. Sunday evening at 6:10 PM, the Beaverhead Search and Rescue managers were paged out to determine a plan of attack for a missing 54 year old Butte man. The neighbor of the missing individual noticed he had not returned from a morning fishing trip to Agnes Lake. The lost individual had apparently made reference to being home around noon that day. When the neighbor confirmed the gentleman was not home he called the missing individual’s sister in Billings. She in turn called the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s office and reported him overdue. The sheriff’s office dispatched Deputy Wyrick to Browns Lake to confirm the presence of the individual’s vehicle. Managers Mel Rice, Park Scott and Lawrence Morrisroe, decided to wait for deputy Wyrick’s findings. At 7:00 PM Wyrick confirmed that the missing individual’s vehicle was at Browns Lake at the Agnes Lake trailhead. Deputy Wyrick began the hike into Agnes Lake. The general membership was paged and hasty teams were deployed to search for the missing individual. The first hasty team was sent to the quarry road at the west end of Browns Lake. Other hasty teams were sent to search around the perimeter of Browns Lake, hike the trail up to Agnes Lake, and to the Rainbow Lake trailhead in case he took the wrong trail and was trying to get out in one of those directions. At 8:35 PM team one had reached Agnes Lake by motorcycles and had located the missing individual. He was in good health and enjoying a great day of fishing. By 9:30 all Search and Rescue members, Deputy Wyrick, and the missing individual were off the mountain back to vehicles and heading home. Exactly why the reporting parties thought he would be home by noon is unclear. When searchers found him he was quite surprised and had no idea why anyone would have believed him to be home by early afternoon. Just a great reminder for all to communicate with someone what your intentions are as far as where you are going and when you plan to be back home. S&R members participating in the search were: Cole Cottom, Dusty Crowe, Alan Holt, Kolby Malesich, Shane Puyear, Clint Rouse, Cody Schnee, Mark Smith, Brian Vinson, Dan Cahil, Nathan Freeman, and Alex Dunn… Thanks to the dedicated members of your Beaverhead Search and Rescue, another mission was successful. Remember, we are “ In the Business of Saving Lives ”!!!!

Alder Creek Fire CURRENT SIZE: 1,380 acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION: 7 miles west of Wise River, SW of HW-43 JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Forest Service, Beaverhead County The Alder Creek fire experienced significant growth yesterday, with isolated and group torching visible from Wise River. The fire crossed over Meadow Ridge into upper Harriet Lou Creek. Today’s weather shows cooler temperatures, light wind, and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Crews will continue implementing structure protection and constructing indirect and direct fireline. The Southern Area Blue Team, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, assumed command of the Alder Creek and Trail Creek fires this morning. The Blue Team is based in the southern United States, however they have operated on numerous large fires throughout the country. In 2007, the Blue Team managed the Pettengill fire outside of Wise River. The team brings community based approaches to working and cooperating with local fire departments, law enforcement, local and state governments, as well as agency fire experts. Facebook Message from Beaverhead County Sheriff WISE RIVER RESIDENTS (west of the scenic byway and south of hwy 43 are under Pre-Evacuation NOTICE! Please sign up for text alerts for fire updates and share this info with friends: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/7075 (Beaverhead County Sheriffs facebook will hopefully be fixed soon to help everyone with current info also) EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN THREE STAGES OF EVACUATION STAGE 1-ALERT & WARNING There is a high probability of the need for evacuation. Law Enforcement personnel/representatives will attempt to make personal visits to each residence and business in the threatened area. Some residents, primarily those with special health needs or other concerns, should relocate during this stage of evacuation. STAGE 2-REQUEST/ORDER AND SECURITY Evacuation is necessary in order to protect the lives of area occupants and emergency personnel responding to the incident. Law Enforcement personnel shall attempt to convey this order/request to citizens door to door, however, if this is not practical or possible this information may be delivered via a public address system from a patrol vehicle. Should the latter method be employed the personnel will activate emergency lights and sirens before and after the notification. Roadblocks and 24-hour patrols by Law Enforcement will be instituted to protect property within the evacuation area. STAGE 3- RETURN Occupants are allowed to return as soon as it is safe. Keep informed. The success of this guideline requires the cooperation and assistance of informed residents. Stay tuned to the local media outlets for updates. Listen and ask questions when an emergency service representative contacts you. Plan ahead. Preplanning can help you avoid last-minute frustrations. Plan where you will go and WHAT YOU WILL TAKE when you evacuate. Trail Creek Fire CURRENT SIZE: 5383 acre CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION 45°46.790 x 113°03.630 SW of Hwy 43 in Meadow Creek Area JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Forest Service, Beaverhead County, Bureau of Land Management PERSONNEL AND RESOURCE ASSIGNED: 4 engines, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, 1 helicopter 1 dozer, 2 Heavy Equipment Task Force, 1 Wild Fire Management Module and miscellaneous supportunder Type 1 Incident Management Team. NARRATIVE: The fire grew to 5383 yesterday. Due to the continued hot and dry weather with gusty winds, the fire actively burned with numerous spot fires. The Southern Area Blue, Type I Incident Management Team will assume management of the Alder Creek and Trail Creek Fires on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 13. The team is based in the southern United States, but like all other Type 1 teams in the country, they are similarly qualified and have operated on numerous large fires throughout the country, including Montana. The Blue Team brings community-based approaches to working and cooperating with local fire departments, law enforcement, local and state governments, as well as agency fire experts. Their logistical expertise is required to build a base camp that will give firefighters the support needed for meals, health and safety, rest, and tools and equipment. They also bring technical capabilities with advanced community outreach and information sharing, mapping, aviation resources, heavy equipment, and strategies to contain and suppress the fires. TODAY’S PLAN: Limit fire spread to the east utilizing indirect suppressions tactics and existing natural barriers. Protect May Creek and Hogan Cabins. Asses at risk external values with neighboring forests. Limit hazard exposure to personnel and public. WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today’s winds will be from the northwest 7-12 mph, with gusts up to 18 this afternoon. There will be a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms in the area that will be capable of producing gusty erratic winds up to 25-30 mph. Fire fuels are heavy with lots of dead and down surfact fuels. Standing dead timber with low fuel moistures are available for torching and crown runs. Spotting distances will be up to ½ mile. 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 the Continental Divide Trail. A new closure order, expanding the area, will be finalized and posted within the next 24-48 hours. Closure orders and maps are located on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest web page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices . Hwy 43 is closed at Wisdom, MT, west to the junction of Hwy 93.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Thursday, July 15, 2021 3:00 P.M. 1. Discuss/Recommend FY2021-2022 Budget Items a. Benefits (Comp Liab, PERS, Health, Permissive Med) b. Disaster c. Police Debt General Obligation Bond d. Lighting District e. Library f. SIDs (#34, 35,36, 37, SAD 2012, 3540 Idaho) g. Streets and Alleys (Street Maint, Gas Tax, New Gas Tax, etc) 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

The Beaverhead County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Old Schoolhouse Café Tuesday morning. New owners Shanna and EJay Lamb are excited to offer fresh homecooked meals. With specialties in sourdough breads, pancakes, and homemade pies. After the ribbon cutting ceremony SWMT News gave it a try. We ordered a French toast breakfast with bacon, and eggs. As a person who loves a good breakfast this did not disappoint. I would highly recommend stopping by the next time you find yourself passing through Dell, or just making the short drive out to enjoy an amazing meal. Their hours of operation are 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. They are closed on Wednesday and Thursday for more information you can find their Facebook page HERE . Head on over and give them a like.

CURRENT STATUS: The Goose fire progressed about a mile and a half southward yesterday and overnight. Fire activity was due to high winds and extremely dry fuels. Crews will scout areas to extend existing handline near the southern portion of the fire. To the north, crews will further secure spot fires on the northeastern flank by digging handline and "plumbing" the area with hoses and water-handling equipment. The equipment will be shuttled across Cliff Lake by boat. Aerial resources will be assisting ground crews with bucket drops along the northern side of the fire and providing assistance in monitoring fire growth. Engine crews are patrolling and monitoring around area structures. Heavy equipment resources along Jackpine Road continue to make 1/4- 1/2 mile of progress a day on establishing a wide fuel break to use for potential future burn operations. Current Size: 3236 Acres WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Northerly winds are forecast to be 5-16 mph today, with gusts up to 24 mph. Afternoon thunderstorms could generate gusty, unpredictable winds, as another weather disturbance moves through the area. Relative humidity is forecast to be in the high teens, which is higher than what we've seen the last several days. Additional cloud cover should moderate temperatures. The forecast high is 84 degrees. Fire behavior experts predict active fire activity in the southwest and northwest areas of the fire. The southwest portion of the fire is in a remote, heavily timbered area. Flame lengths up to 4 feet are expected in the aspen/timber stringers along the northern fire edge. ANNOUNCEMENT: NR Team 5 will host a virtual community meeting on the Goose Fire Facebook page today from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest announced extended area closures to include the Antelope Prong boat launch and the Wade Lake, Hilltop, and Cliff Point campgrounds. Refunds for reservations will be processed by recreation.gov. 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 moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions yesterday. 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.

Beaverhead County LEPC Agenda Thursday, July 15, 2021 @ 7:00 P.M. Commissioners’ Room-County Courthouse *Due to COVID-19 Zoom attendance is also offered, please see the link below: https://zoom.us/j/94165491816?pwd=cFFJcEsrSDE2cjlOOXB2MGNjY0pRdz09 Meeting Call to Order Introductions Committee Reports: DES- (Tom Wagenknecht) 1. Fire & Current updates Public Health- (Sue Hansen) 1. Capability Work Plan (3 Year Plan) a. Emergency Public Information & Warning Completion Date: 6/30/2021 Activate the emergency public information system Determine the need for joint information system Establish and participate in information system operations 2. Complete COVID Response AAR-Include risk communications 3. Training and Exercise Plan a. Identified (PH) gaps b. Sustain current training/exercises c. Collaborate with response partners to build community resilience 4. Chempack Plan Review Public Comments & Questions Next LEPC Meeting Adjourn

Public Service Announcement The City of Dillon is sorry to announce that the Splash Pad will be closed until further notice. The UV system is not functioning properly at this time. This system disinfects/purifies the water and is a must to keep the splash pad operational. We are doing everything we can to get the system up and running. We will notify you as soon as it is functioning correctly. If you have any questions please contact Todd Hazelbaker, Director of Operations, at 683-4245.

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.

Press release from UMW: Last fall, the University of Montana Western Foundation awarded the Department of Health and Human Performance financial support from the Fund for Experience One to purchase Innovision’s Motion Capture Package for use in kinesiology courses at Montana Western. This innovative collection of technologies, often used in advanced scientific, private industry, and military research, represents the pinnacle of two-dimensional movement analysis and is used in a variety of medical assessments to predict and prevent injury and to assist in rehabilitation. The Motion Capture Package includes multiple components that allow for precise analyses of human movement that can exceed the speed and sensitivity of normal cameras and the human eye. The department integrated the infrared, high-speed, high-resolution camera system, retro-reflective anatomical markers, and automated tracking software MaxTRAQ for the first time during the spring semester in Kinesiology 325: Biomechanics, an upper division analytics course that serves as one of the scientific cornerstone courses for Kinesiology and Physical Education and Health majors. “Without the Foundation’s support, students would not have had the opportunity to learn about and employ these technologies themselves; with its support, students now graduate from the degree programs with practical experience that benefits them in both successive graduate programs and in their career positions,” said UMW Assistant Professor and Kinesiology 325 course instructor, Dr. Mitchell Stephenson. Through a problem-based learning approach, students in the Biomechanics course become familiar with the benefits and restrictions of kinematic technology and approaches, and then employ them in student team-designed research projects. In comparison to previous projects, the Motion Capture Package has expanded the types of research questions students can pursue to include significantly higher precision and movement speed. “The camera is six times faster than the human eye. It captures movements that we can’t even see, which makes it easier for us to make recommendations to increase athletic performance and potentially reduce an athlete’s injury risk,” one student said. This gift from the Fund for Experience One will benefit multiple groups of students as the course is offered by the HHP department every semester. Its integration into Kinesiology 325 has also inspired two students to design capstone research projects for Fall 2021 to investigate ligament injury risk and prevention strategies in two underserved, high-risk populations. “The Department of Health and Human Performance cannot thank the Foundation and its benefactors enough for this gift,” said Stephenson. “This funding allows every student to become an expert in technologies and techniques that are rarely available outside of graduate school.” For more information about the Montana Western Foundation and the Fund for Experience One, please visit www.umwfoundation.org.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers Wednesday, July 14, 2021 12:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Call to Order 2. Continue Plans for Dillon History Days 3. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 4. Adjournment Committee Members: Stan Smith, Chair Bill Shafer Mitch Staley Stacey Roundy, Vice Chair Debbie Sporich Raymond Graham Brenda Womack Michelle Cohen Rebecca Jones Cory Birkenbuel

CURRENT STATUS: Due to strong winds associated with the passage of a cold front, the fire doubled in size over the past 24 hours according to overnight aerial mapping. The infrared mapping shows the fire at 2,214 acres, with the majority of the fire's expansion north, toward the southern end of Cliff Lake. The fire crossed the handline previously established on the southwest side of Cliff Lake. Crews are now scouting areas to put in new line north of the fire. As a precautionary safety measure, fire managers worked with Madison County Sheriff's Office to move people out of the Wade Lake, Hilltop, and Cliff Point campgrounds due to increased fire behavior and northerly fire progression. These campgrounds are now closed, per the Forest's expanded closure. Engines were on-scene at various structures throughout the night. The handline on the east side of Cliff Lake is now complete and effectively holding the fire from moving further north in that area. Previous retardant drops, northeast of Hidden Lake, are effectively preventing the fire from spreading eastward currently. Heavy equipment is continuing to strengthen the fireline along Jackpine Gulch Road northwest of the fire for use in future burn operations. All resources will work to strengthen lines and fuel breaks, connecting to natural barriers and existing roads. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today's forecast calls for temperatures in the low 90s and relative humidity at 10-15%. Winds are forecast to be 6-11 mph with gusts up to 20 mph from the north/northwest. There is a chance for thunderstorms this afternoon and evening; little to no precipitation is expected. Overnight infrared mapping indicated numerous spot fires and active fire intensity on the northern portion of the fire. Fire activity is forecast to be most active in the northeast area of the fire today. Direct winds and slope alignment could produce short crown runs and spotting up to 1/2 mile.

The Goose fire has moved to the north, towards the lower tip of Cliff Lake and is currently approximately 400-500 yards away from the lake. The fire is active on the rim that extends from there to the west. Fire managers are working in conjunction with Madison County Sheriff's Office to coordinate the evacuation of Cliff Lake, Hilltop and Wade Lake Campgrounds. Fire engines are en route to provide structure protection at Cliff Lake Lodge.

Michelle McIsaac Morganthaler will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, July 14, 2021. She will provide information on the local real estate market including recent trends and future outlook. 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 .