Single Publication

Size: 85 acres Containment: 100%

Personnel: 15

CURRENT STATUS

Trail Ridge-The fire experienced expected high temperatures and low humidity’s yesterday and a large increase in fire growth toward the Mink Creek Saddle and slowed progression near Shultz Saddle Road (Forest Service Road 725). The fire movement observed remains within the indirect containment lines crews have been working on over the last week. The last few days the option for a back burn operation was heavily considered, and is still an option, but at this time crews continue to monitor the fire’s behavior and movement to wait for the most favorable time and location to initiate a back burn. Yesterday as the fire reached the Action Point personnel did not initiate the back burn operation due to adverse winds. The incoming moisture and decreased temperatures will help slow fire activity and creates unfavorable conditions for this back burn operation. Crews continue to work on indirect line construction and road prep along the fire’s perimeter moving toward the 2017 Myers Fire burn area to increase containment lines along the northern flank.

As the fire nears the indirect lines constructed paralleling the East Fork Road, the fire is still within containment lines and has not reached the Action Point identified for the ‘Warning’ stage of the Evacuation Plan at this time. As the fire nears this Action Point, Fire Managers and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department are prepared for the possibility of moving into this ‘Warning’ stage. For more information on the Ravalli County Evacuation Plan visit the Ravalli County Sheriff’s website at https://ravalli.us/622/Evacuation-Guidelines.

On the southern flank of the fire crews are continuing with road prep to use as indirect line if the fire reaches the Action Point along the southern portion of the fire as the fire continues to move south toward the 2007 Rat Creek and 2021 Trail Creek Burn Areas. The southern flank of the fire had moderate growth and at this time Hogan Cabin has been closed for public and fire fighter safety as a precaution due to the closer proximity to the fire.

Thompson Creek-Over the last few days aircraft has been helpful in removing all equipment and supplies off the road area of the fire. The majority of personnel hiked off of the fire yesterday and the remainder of personnel will be hiking out today. The fire has been put in ‘Patrol’ status. This will be the last narrative unless significant changes occur.

FIRE WEATHER AND BEHAVIOR

Today conditions will change to cooler and wetter weather. Afternoon showers are possible and with light to moderate rain and localized heavy rain is possible in areas today. As these storm cells pass through the area the potential for gusty outflow winds to accompany the precipitation events. These cool and wet conditions are expected to stay through the weekend.