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.
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