Single Publication

Incident Commander: D. Hammack; O. Olander(T)
Location: 10 miles southwest of Wise River, MT
Start Date: 7/25/2024
Cause: Undetermined
Size: 2,300 acres
Resources on Site: 2 hotshot crews; 3 type 2 hand crews; 9 engines; 2 skidgens; 1 dozer
Total Personnel: 234
 

KEY MESSAGES: 

A Community Meeting will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at the Wise River Community Foundation Building at 6:00 p.m. MDT. An Area/Road/Trail Closure is in effect for the vicinity of the fire perimeter on the west side of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. 

The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains OPEN. Those recreating or traveling in the fire area are encouraged to be aware of the situation and to pay attention to increased fire traffic. If traveling in the area please slow down, drive 35 MPH, and yield to firefighting equipment, engines, and vehicles.

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS: 

After flying the fire yesterday with the type-three helicopter, the fire perimeter was mapped the fire at 2600 acres. Fire activity has increased to the south towards Pettengill Creek and north towards Grouse Lakes.

The Flathead Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) continue constructing fireline on the east flank of the fire progressing west and will continue securing the fire’s edge. Hand crews continue to secure and “mop-up” all residual heat adjacent to private lands near Pettengill Road. The Bonneville Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) continues to work with structure protection equipment (pumps, hoses, and sprinklers) near residences in the Pettengill Creek area. Additional resources are expected to extend structure protection, improving fireline from Pettengill Creek towards Reservoir Creek. These actions are to keep the fire west of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and north of Pettengill Creek to protect private property in the Pettengill Creek Drainage. 

Fire managers will scout for opportunities on the southern and southwest flanks of the fire in the Pettengill Creek and Reservoir Creek drainages. Smoke is still visible throughout the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and Wise River vicinity.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Sunday was cooler with increased humidity. Fire behavior was moderated but the fire still made a push north towards Grouse Lakes. Today, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures will be warmer than yesterday which may increase fire activity. Active fire behavior is expected to continue with movement primarily up the Grouse Creek drainage and sub-drainages.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has issued an Area/Road/Trail Closure (Closure #01-02-03-24-05) effective July 31, 2024. This Order is for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts of the Grouse Fire. Closure information and maps are posted on the Forests’ website and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are in place. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbdf-grouse.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area.

The Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires are allowed only in a permanent metal fire grate/ring provided by the Forest Service in a designated, developed recreation site. Smoking is restricted to vehicles, in buildings, or in an area clear of flammable materials. Devices with an on/off switch that use LPG fuels are allowed in an area clear of flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.