Single Publication

Railroad-Daly Fires 

Bitterroot National Forest

Fire Information: 458-218-2328

2024.dalyrailroad@firenet.gov

https://linktr.ee/sharrottjohnsondalyrailroad 

October 6, 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: 8,188  Completion: 56%;  Railroad Fire Acres: 1,279  Completion: 35%

Total Personnel: 120

Current Status 

A reconnaissance flight conducted yesterday revealed moderate growth on the Railroad and Daly Fire but has moderated since the recent wind event. The most significant activity was observed north of Fuse Lake/Duncie Creek area on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest side and below Gird Point on the Bitterroot National Forest side along State Highway 38.

Firefighters are actively working to assess and protect structures along the HWY 38 corridor and Gem Mine area. Opportunities for indirect lines from Highway 38 East and North into Stoney Creek drainage are being scouted. Fire progression will continue to be monitored below Gird Point while implementing direct & indirect control lines to stop progression to the west.

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Warm, dry, and breezy conditions are expected this afternoon. As high pressure builds, the humidity levels will drop, which can make conditions more likely for wildfire spread.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, fire activity and potential will remain elevated for at least the next two weeks. Burn periods in the West will be significantly longer than normal and will intensify during wind events. In the Great Lakes, fire potential is expected to rise as leaf fall increases and significant precipitation remains unlikely. Anomalously dry conditions in the West will lead to increased fire activity for October, even without wind. During wind events, fire behavior may resemble that of August, with large runs and burn periods potentially exceeding 24 hours. Despite these challenges, the Railroad-Daly fire is showing moderate progress, particularly when compared to other wildfires in the region encountering similar conditions.

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.