Single Publication

CURRENT STATUS 
Fire managers, working in coordination with the Granite County Sheriff’s Office, have recommended an evacuation warning for the properties closest to the fire’s edge on the northeastern flank. This evacuation warning includes the Gem Mountain area and nearby ranches, south and east of Stony Creek, south and west of Rock Creek Road, and north of Hwy 38. The evacuation warning is necessary, given the recent fire progression and the predicted weather conditions for today.

The Daly Fire continued to advance with primarily northeasterly wind-driven movement. There was further progression with isolated spotting and torching northeast of Stony Creek along the Ravalli and Granite County lines. The spot fire two miles north of the Daly Fire is expected to connect into the main fire in the coming days. Further spotting may occur in the area. Firefighters are assessing the values at risk north of the fire and determining point protection strategies to ensure the safety of the campgrounds, bridges, and other property. These tactics may include placement of sprinklers, portable pumps, hoses, structure protection kits and ensuring safe egress for responders.  

The Railroad Fire has limited growth due to reaching areas with limited vegetation and continuous rock scree.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 
Thermal belts overnight resulted in poor relative humidity recoveries. Today, hot, dry conditions are expected with southwest wind gusts reaching up to 25 mph along the ridgetops. Temperatures will be mid-70s to mid-80s with humidities in the mid-20s. Most of the fire’s movement will be on the upper slopes.

In the coming days, precipitation is expected with up to 1 inch of rain possible in the fire area. This wetting rain is expected to impede the fire’s ability to move substantially until fuels along the fire’s perimeter dry out. There remains potential for thunderstorms to cause new fire starts.  
 

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES  
The Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) is closed from Black Bear Campground to the Crystal Creek Campground on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF side. This location has the potential to change, given the amount of recent fire activity. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) on the Railroad-Daly fire has expanded significantly eastward.  Gird Point Lookout is also closed. The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness in the Bitterroot National Forest is currently in Stage I Fire restrictions.