Single Publication

Railroad-Daly Fire

Bitterroot National Forest

Fire Information: 458-218-2328

2024.dalyrailroad@firenet.gov

https://linktr.ee/sharrottjohnsondalyrailroad 

October 7, 2024

Type 3 Incident Command Team, Incident Commander Matt Young  

Location: Railroad Creek/ Skalkaho Creek confluence, 26 miles southeast of Hamilton

Start Date: 7/25/2024  

Cause: Undetermined                

Daly Fire Acres: 8,254  Railroad Fire Acres: 1,290  Completion: 56%

Total Personnel: 120

Current Status 

Yesterday the northeastern part of the fire showed slow movement along the main edge, with some areas burning unevenly. In the upper Stony Creek area, the fire spread slowly but did not grow significantly. The western side produced flames moving down the drainage, and some isolated trees catching fire in the Daly Creek area on both sides of Highway 38.

Crews will continue working on creating a shaded fuel break along Coal Creek Road to Stony Creek. They will also enhance fire protection measures in Stony Creek and keep a close watch on fire activity in the upper Stony Creek area. Additionally, more teams will be building hand and dozer lines from Gird Creek Road to Highway 38. Aerial resources will remain active to monitor and manage the spread of the fire.

Weather and Fire Behavior 

In the coming days, we can expect elevated atmospheric pressure, resulting in seasonal temperatures and dry conditions. Nights will be notably cold and consistent, while afternoons and early evenings may experience breezy conditions, which could contribute to increased fire activity.

Fire activity and potential will remain high for at least two weeks due to current and forecasted weather. In the West, burn periods will be longer than usual, especially during wind events. The Great Lakes may 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, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES  

All areas along State Highway 38 (Skalkaho Highway) starting at mile marker 26.5 near Skalkaho Pass, turning north at the junction with Rock Creek Road (County Road 102), and continuing to the junction of State Highway 348 and Rock Creek Road. From there, it proceeds northwesterly on Rock Creek Road to USFS Road 241 (Stony Creek Road), moving southwest to the junction of Little Stony Creek and Stony Creek. Following Little Stony Creek west to the ridge where Trail 313 (Bitterroot Rock Creek Divide Trail) begins and continuing south along Trail 313 to the intersection with State Highway 38.