Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 5, Incident Commander Joe Sampson  

Location:3 miles south of Springer Memorial Community, in the East Fork 

Start Date: 7/25/2024      

Cause: Lightning       

Size: 6,662 Acres    

Completion: 25%

Total Personnel: 238  

Engines: 14               

Hand Crews: 3           

Heavy Equipment: 1   

Helicopters: 2    

Current Status 

The majority of the fire's heat is on the southern edge, near Swift Creek. These areas of isolated heat and are not causing widespread fire movement. There are a few islands of unburned vegetation burning on the northern edge of the fire, but they aren't likely to have a large impact on the fire's perimeter growth. 

Crews are placing hose lays and other water handling equipment along the fire's northern edge. This will assist in preventing the fire's spread north. Crews are extinguishing areas of heat along the fire's western perimeter. Firefighters will continue to add hose lays near the community of Springer Memorial and the homes around Bonanza Drive. However, due to current and expected wind direction, the fire is pushing back into itself rather than making forward progress in the area. Firefighters will work to hold the fire to the 5771 road and construct fireline from Swift Creek to the 73615 Road.   

Weather and Fire Behavior 

A low-pressure system (trough) from the west should help disperse smoke within the Bitterroot Valley today. This trough will likely bring cooler temperatures and raise relative humidities within the fire area by tonight. During the day it will likely remain hot, dry, and windy with southwest wind gusts up to 25 mph. By tomorrow, wetting rain should hit the fire area, slowing fire growth. 

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES  

The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Warning for Frog Pond Basin and Little East Fork Road. Sign up for evacuation alerts at http://hyper-reach.com/mtravallisignup.html 

Area closures are in effect for both sides of the East Fork Road, the East Fork Guard Station, Martin Creek Campground, and a multitude of trailheads. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices 

The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness within the Bitterroot National Forest is currently in Stage I Fire restrictions.