Single Publication

Type 3 Incident Command Team, Incident Commander Matt Young  

Location: From the Bitterroot NF: Railroad Creek/ Skalkaho Creek confluence, 26 miles southeast of Hamilton

From the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF: 20 Miles northwest of Georgetown Lake Dam off Skalkaho Hwy 

Start Date: 7/25/2024  

Cause: Undetermined                 

Daly Fire Acres: 9,161  Railroad Fire Acres: 1,429  Completion: 56%

Total Personnel: 182

Current Status 

Yesterday the fire showed an increase in acres with active uphill runs, single tree torching and short-range spotting. The fire was very active near the Skalkaho Falls and continued progression towards Dam Lake. Helicopters and Air Tankers were utilized to preform water and retardant drops in support of constructing control features.

In Daly Creek area, fire crews will work towards keeping the fire South of Gird Ridge, North of Hwy 38, East of FS Rd #75 as well as east of private property on the north side of Hwy 38. Today crews will prepare for additional structure protection in the Stoney creek drainage, Cornish Gulch and along the west side of the Rock Creek corridor in efforts to minimize impacts of wildfire to private lands. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Cooler temperatures along with higher relative humidity is expected today. There is an increase in cloud cover and a slight chance for rain showers today; however little to any precipitation is expected.   

Fire activity and potential will remain high in the near future due to current and forecasted weather. In the West, burn periods will be longer than usual, especially during wind events. Other areas are likely to see increased fire potential as leaf fall rises, with little precipitation expected. Anomalously dry conditions in the West will heighten fire activity in October, with significant fire behavior during wind events potentially resembling August's intensity, including long burn periods. 

EVACUATIONS

Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton said Evacuation Warnings have been issued for residents of the 1700 to 2500 blocks of Skalkaho Highway due to the Railroad-Daly Fire on October 9, 2024. For more information on evacuations visit the Ravalli County Sheriff Facebook page. To register your phone number for emergency notifications in Ravalli County visit, http://hyper-reach.com/mtravallisignup.html.

CLOSURES  

Montana Department of Transportation has closed Highway 38 at mile marker 14 to mile marker 26 due to fire activity.

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has issued an Area/Road/Trail Closure (Closure #01020824-19) effective October 4, 2024. This Order is for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts of the Fire. Closure information and maps are posted on the Bitterroot and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests’ website www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices and www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices.