For their safety, communities need to monitor local weather reports and public safety bulletins, local road closures, emergency notifications, weather alerts, follow local county and city advisories, and act accordingly. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service (NWS), Pendleton (PDT) (https://www.weather.gov/pdt/) website.

Use a weather radio or smart phone weather app that monitors all hazards alerts issued by the NOAA-National Weather Service.

Prepare for rainstorms by practicing evacuations prior to real events. Be prepared to evacuate if county or city emergency officials determine that flooding and debris flows are expected which could pose an increased threat to human life, safety, and property.

Know and be alert to environmental signs of dangerous weather conditions and be prepared to take action that can save lives.

Understand that all drainages within and downstream of burned areas can produce flash flooding.

If you find yourself in a flood, climb to safety (seek higher ground).

Even if the water on a road appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try by vehicle or foot. Water hides dips and worse yet, there may be no road left as flooding can scour away the surface and ground beneath a road.

  As of November 2, the Crown Mountain Fire Closure has been resized click on the links tab above to view a map of the current closure.  

AREA CLOSURE DESCRIPTION: The area closure applies to the National Forest system lands around the Crown Mountain Fire perimeter. The fire perimeter is marked in red on Attachment A (Area Closure Map), and is closed within these boundaries: South of the Petty Creek/Ford Creek Trail #232 (T19N, R9W, Sections 22, 23, PB42), West of the Forest Boundary (T19N, R9W, Sections 25, PB43), North of Jake Creek Trail #214 (T19N, R9W, Sections PB44, 25 PB43, 27) and East of the Scapegoat Wilderness boundary (T19N, R9W, Section 27). A small portion of Moudess Creek Trail #238 is within the southern portion of the fire area closure. Therefore, only the small portion of Trail #238 within the fire area closure perimeter is closed.
 
Fire Restrictions are still in place on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District 

 As of October 17, the Crown Mountain Fire Closure has been resized click related links to view a map of the current closure.  

AREA CLOSURE DESCRIPTION:The area closure applies to the National Forest system lands around the Crown Mountain Fire. Beginning where the National Forest boundary crosses the Petty Creek/Ford Creek watershed divide (the western boundary of T19N R8W Sect 7), the closure heads south along the Forest boundary to where the Smith Creek Trail 215 intersects the Forest boundary (T19N R8W SW corner of Sect 31). From there, the closure follows the Forest boundary to its intersection with the Smith Creek Trail 215 (T18N R8W NW corner of PB 44). The closure proceeds southerly along Trail 215 to its intersection with Weasel Creek Trail 245, and then follows, (but does not include) Trail 245 to its intersection with the Scapegoat Wilderness boundary (T18N R8W southern boundary of Sect 12). Following the Wilderness boundary northwest, the closure continues to its intersection with the Crown Mountain Trail 270 (T19N R9W Section 28), and to the northeast along Trail 270 to its junction with the Petty Creek/Ford Creek watershed divide (T19N R9W SE corner of Sect 21). Finally, the closure heads northeast and east along Petty Creek/ Ford Creek watershed divide to the Forest boundary and its point of origin.
 ADDITIONAL TRAIL CLOSURE DESCRIPTION:The Forest Service Crown Mountain Trailhead is closed, along with the Crown Mountain Trail 270 both inside and outside of the closure. The Forest Service Double Falls Trailhead is closed, along with the Petty-Ford Trail 244 both inside and outside of the closure. The Forest Service Trail 215 along the easement through private lands from the Smith Creek Trailhead to the National Forest boundary is part of this closure. The Forest Service trailhead on the easement of private lands at the end of the Lewis and Clark County Goss Creek Road is also a part of this closure. Trails 214, 215, 232, and 238 within the area are also closed.

 A closure area is in effect for the Crown Mountain Fire.

AREA CLOSURE DESCRIPTION:
 The area closure applies to the National Forest systems land around the Crown Mountain Fire. Beginning at where Benchmark road #235 enters the National Forest (T19N, R8W, SW corner of sect 6) and heading due south along the Forest Boundary to where Smith Creek trail #215 intersects the Forest Boundary on the southwest boundary of section 31. Then due east following the Forest Boundary to the intersection of trails #215 and Weasel Creek trail #245 (T18N, R8W, NW corner of sect PB44). follow trail #245 southerly to where it intersects the Scapegoat Wilderness boundary (T18N, R8W, sect 12), then proceed northwest along the Wilderness boundary past the intersection with Crown Mountain #270 and continue along the Wilderness boundary to (T19N, R10W, sect 12), then head easterly following the ridgeline to its junction with Benchmark road #235 (T9N, R10W, sect 7), then proceed east along road #235 to the point of the beginning.
 ADDITIONAL ROAD and TRAIL CLOSURE DESCRIPTION:
 The Forest Service Benchmark road, #235 on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, is closed. The closure begins at the junction with Forest Service Beaver-Willow road #233. The closure extends for the entirety of road #235. Trails 214, 215, 232, 244, 245 and 270 within the area are closed.

Quick Facts:

• Location: 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest 
• Detected: October 4, 2021
• Cause: under investigation
• Current size: 1368 acres 
• Containment: 0%
• Ownership/Jurisdiction: Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Fire Summary:

The Crown Mountain Fire started within the Forest boundary of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest some 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the northeast corner of quadrant 26. Local resources engaged with full suppression actions maintaining the safety of fire personnel and the public as the number one priority. During the initial three days, gusty winds, unseasonably high temperatures, and dry conditions resulted in active fire behavior and dangerous firefighting conditions for direct attack on the fire. These circumstances forced air and ground crews to disengage from the fire on 10/5 and 10/6. The fire is burning within portions of the footprint of the 1988 Canyon Creek Fire. Fire personnel installed point protection on threatened ranches adjacent to the Forest boundary in Smith Creek as well as in the Benchmark corridor to include Double Falls recreational cabins and structures in the Ford Creek area. The containment withstood winds exceeding 50mph on 10/9 and 10/10 ahead of a cold front that moved in. From 10/11 until present cooler conditions have prevailed with 2 inches of snow falling on the fire area on 10/12. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain and fueled by regenerated Lodgepole pine and heavy stands of Douglas fir. Light smoke is occasionally visible from Choteau, Augusta, and along Montana State Highway 287. Please be cautious of fire traffic working in and around Augusta, Smith Creek, and the Benchmark Corridor.

Current Situation:

Fire activity over the past 48 hours was limited to minimal smoldering and creeping in response to the 2” of snowfall, cooler temperatures, and decreased winds. Crews remain vigilant to activate all the point protection equipment if fire activity necessitates in Smith Creek and the Benchmark corridor. Additionally, crews continue to realize success in their containment priority of preventing further northward movement beyond Petty Creek and any eastward movement toward the Forest boundary in Smith Creek. Resources available today include: 1 type-2, and 1 type-3 helicopter, 2 interagency hotshot crews, 1 dozer, 1 skidgeon, and 6 engines. There are 89 personnel assigned.

Weather: Over the next few days area temperatures will rise into the high 40s and low 50s, with nighttime temperatures dipping to the high 20s low 30s, and winds not exceeding 19mph. There is a 12 percent chance for precipitation tonight, followed with a general drying trend over the next several days. The extended forecast reveals a drying trend with the first expectation of significant snowfall occurring in early November.

Area and Trail Closures:

For the public’s safety an area closure is in effect:

Description of Area Closure
 West Boundary – Scapegoat Wilderness Area
 North Boundary – Ridgeline from Wilderness Boundary to Ford Creek to Benchmark Road (225) to Administrative Boundary
 East Boundary – Administrative Boundary of National Forest Lands
 South Boundary – Weasel Creek Trail 245 

 Trails within the Closure:

 Trail Name  Trail ID
 Crown Mountain  270
 Jakie Creek  214
 Moudess Creek  238
 Petty Crown  232
 Petty Crown Connector  270.1
 Petty-Ford Creek  244
 Smith Creek  215
 Weasel Creek  245

 Campgrounds within Closure:

Double Falls Campgrounds 

Elk Creek Road Closure:   Elk Creek Road is closed while Lewis and Clark County completes a bridge replacement project. The project is expected to be completed by November 15, 2021.  Please note, there is no correlation between this closure and the Crown Mountain Fire.   The bridge project is located 6.1 miles up Elk Creek Road from Hwy 435 and the road will be closed to all vehicle traffic beyond that point for the duration of the work. In 2018, a significant flood event damaged three of five bridges located near the end of Elk Creek Road which is maintained by Lewis and Clark County. This is the last of the three bridges to be replaced. Work on the other two bridges was completed in 2020.  Elk Creek Road, located approximately 6.5 miles from Augusta, serves as access US Forest Service land. Hunters using Elk Creek Road to gain access to US Forest Service land beyond the project area are advised to plan for impacts.  For any further information about the Elk Creek Road Bridge Replacement, contact Dan Karlin at (406) 447-8034.  

  THE NEXT UPDATE WILL BE PUBLISHED OCTOBER 13

Quick Facts:

• Location: 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest 
• Detected: October 4, 2021
• Cause: under investigation
• Current size: 1301 acres 
• Containment: 0%
• Ownership/Jurisdiction: Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Fire Summary:

The Crown Mountain Fire started within the Forest boundary of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest some 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the northeast corner of quadrant 26.  Local resources are engaged with full suppression actions maintaining the safety of fire personnel and the public as the number one priority. During the initial three days, gusty winds, unseasonably high temperatures, and dry conditions resulted in active fire behavior and dangerous firefighting conditions for direct attack on the fire.   These circumstances forced air and ground crews to disengage from the fire on 10/5 and 10/6.  The fire is burning within portions of the footprint of the 1988 Canyon Creek Fire. Fire personnel installed point protection on threatened ranches adjacent to the Forest boundary in Smith Creek as well as in the Benchmark corridor to include Double Falls recreational cabins and structures in the Ford Creek area.   Windy conditions have again prevailed from 10/8 through present day.  The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain and fueled by regenerated Lodgepole pine and heavy stands of Douglas fir.  Smoke is visible from Choteau, Augusta, and along Montana State Highway 287.  Please be cautious of fire traffic working in and around Augusta, Smith Creek, and the Benchmark Corridor.

Current Situation:

All point protection work is complete in Smith Creek and the Benchmark corridor. Crews are ready to activate all the hose lays and sprinklers if fire activity necessitates. Both interagency hotshot and aviation crews were again successful in keeping the Petty Creek perimeter cooled off throughout the day yesterday. Their containment priority continues to be preventing further northward movement beyond Petty Creek and any eastward movement toward the Forest boundary in Smith Creek. The recent fire growth was to the southeast in Moudess Creek where it slowly backed against the prevailing winds yesterday into areas of the 1988 Canyon Fire footprint. This morning, as expected, westerly winds are gusting at 40mph with expectations of continuing throughout the day and increasing up to 50mph in the afternoon. Firefighting conditions are very dangerous in this situation and crews will closely monitor and engage only when safe to do so. Resources available today include: 3 type-1, 1 type-2, and 1 type-3 helicopters, 2 dozers, 1 skidgen, 2 interagency hotshot crews, 2 Type II initial attack crews, and 10 engines. There are 140 personnel assigned.

2-day Weather: Gusty westerly winds are expected today as a cold front moves through the area. Expect wind gusts to generally remain around 40mph through the daylight hours today, and potentially reaching 50mph this afternoon. Relative humidity will likely hold steady or increase as moisture works into the area. Winds and temperatures will decrease tomorrow with highs in the 40s and lows in the high 20s. A few isolated snow showers are possible in the afternoon, but are not expected to produce much moisture near the fire.

Area and Trail Closures:

For the public’s safety the Benchmark Road and trails adjacent to the fire are closed.   In the meantime, Smith Creek, Crown Mountain, and Petty Ford Creek trails are closed.   Expect a larger area closure footprint over the weekend.  The expected closure description follows: 

Description of Expected Closure Area Boundary
 West Boundary – Scapegoat Wilderness Area
 North Boundary – Ridgeline from Wilderness Boundary to Ford Creek to Benchmark Road (225) to Administrative Boundary
 East Boundary – Administrative Boundary of National Forest Lands
 South Boundary – Weasel Creek Trail 245 

 Trails within the Closure:

 Trail Name  Trail ID
 Crown Mountain  270
 Jakie Creek  214
 Moudess Creek  238
 Petty Crown  232
 Petty Crown Connector  270.1
 Petty-Ford Creek  244
 Smith Creek  215
 Weasel Creek  245

 Campgrounds within Closure:

Double Falls Campgrounds 

Elk Creek Road Closure:   Elk Creek Road is closed while Lewis and Clark County completes a bridge replacement project. The project is expected to be completed by November 15, 2021.  Please note, there is no correlation between this closure and the Crown Mountain Fire.   The bridge project is located 6.1 miles up Elk Creek Road from Hwy 435 and the road will be closed to all vehicle traffic beyond that point for the duration of the work. In 2018, a significant flood event damaged three of five bridges located near the end of Elk Creek Road which is maintained by Lewis and Clark County. This is the last of the three bridges to be replaced. Work on the other two bridges was completed in 2020.  Elk Creek Road, located approximately 6.5 miles from Augusta, serves as access US Forest Service land. Hunters using Elk Creek Road to gain access to US Forest Service land beyond the project area are advised to plan for impacts.  For any further information about the Elk Creek Road Bridge Replacement, contact Dan Karlin at (406) 447-8034.  

Quick Facts:

• Location: 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest 
• Detected: October 4, 2021
• Cause: under investigation
• Current size: 1201 acres 
• Containment: 0%
• Ownership/Jurisdiction: Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Fire Summary:

 The Crown Mountain Fire started within the Forest boundary of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest some 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the northeast corner of quadrant 26.   Local resources are engaged with full suppression actions maintaining the safety of fire personnel and the public as the number one priority.  Gusty winds, unseasonably high temperatures, and dry conditions have resulted in active fire behavior and dangerous firefighting conditions for direct attack on the fire.   These circumstances forced air and ground crews to disengage from the fire on 10/5 and 10/6.  This fire is burning within portions of the footprint of the 1988 Canyon Creek Fire.   Fire personnel installed point protection on threatened ranches adjacent to the Forest boundary in Smith Creek and have postured to apply additional point protection to reinforce threatened recreational cabins and ranches in the Benchmark corridor.  The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain and fueled by regenerated Lodgepole pine and heavy stands of Douglas fir. Smoke was clearly visible from Choteau, Augusta, and along Montana State Highway 287 on 10/6 and could be again visible during the afternoon of 10/7.  

Current Situation:

The southeast edge of the fire slowly moved out of the heavy timber into lighter fuels allowing both interagency hotshot crews to engage with aviation support and check further spread toward the Forest boundary.  There was a spot across Petty Creek sized at about 1/10 of an acre that backcountry crews quickly extinguished with the aid of two chinook helicopters.   The Benchmark Corridor crew nearly completed all the point protection actions in the Double Falls and Ford Creek area and expect to finish everything up this morning.  The past two days have allowed all crews to effectively posture for the winds expected this afternoon through tomorrow.  Resources available today include:  3 type-1, 1 type-2, and 1 type-3 helicopters, 2 dozers, 1 skidgen, 2 interagency hotshot crews, 2 Type II initial attack crews, and 10 engines.  There are 140 personnel assigned.

Weekend Weather:  Today’s weather will bring warmer and dryer conditions with a high of 62 and winds picking up in the afternoon to 10 – 15mph with gusts to 25mph.  The relative humidity is forecast to drop into the 20s this afternoon.  Tomorrow’s weather will cool slightly with a forecast high of 55, but it will be windy throughout day, starting with west winds of 20 – 30mph, gusting to 50mph followed by a gradual transition to 35mph ridgetop winds and 40mph gusts later into the afternoon.  Relative humidity is expected to remain in the 40s, but there is only a slight chance of precipitation late Sunday afternoon. 

Area and Trail Closures:

For the public’s safety the Benchmark Road and trails adjacent to the fire are closed.   In the meantime, Smith Creek, Crown Mountain, and Petty Ford Creek trails are closed.   Expect a larger area closure footprint over the weekend.  The expected closure description follows: 

Description of Expected Closure Area BoundaryWest Boundary – Scapegoat Wilderness AreaNorth Boundary – Ridgeline from Wilderness Boundary to Ford Creek to Benchmark Road (225) to Administrative BoundaryEast Boundary – Administrative Boundary of National Forest LandsSouth Boundary – Weasel Creek Trail 245 Trails within the Closure:Trail NameTrail IDCrown Mountain270Jakie Creek214Moudess Creek238Petty Crown232Petty Crown Connector270.1Petty-Ford Creek244Smith Creek215Weasel Creek245 Campgrounds within Closure:

Double Falls Campgrounds 

Elk Creek Road Closure:   Elk Creek Road is closed while Lewis and Clark County completes a bridge replacement project. The project is expected to be completed by November 15, 2021.  Please note, there is no correlation between this closure and the Crown Mountain Fire.   The bridge project is located 6.1 miles up Elk Creek Road from Hwy 435 and the road will be closed to all vehicle traffic beyond that point for the duration of the work. In 2018, a significant flood event damaged three of five bridges located near the end of Elk Creek Road which is maintained by Lewis and Clark County. This is the last of the three bridges to be replaced. Work on the other two bridges was completed in 2020.  Elk Creek Road, located approximately 6.5 miles from Augusta, serves as access US Forest Service land. Hunters using Elk Creek Road to gain access to US Forest Service land beyond the project area are advised to plan for impacts.  For any further information about the Elk Creek Road Bridge Replacement, contact Dan Karlin at (406) 447-8034.  

 

Quick Facts:

• Location: 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest 
• Detected: October 4, 2021
• Cause: under investigation
• Current size: 818 acres 
• Containment: 0%
• Ownership/Jurisdiction: Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Fire Summary:

 The Crown Mountain Fire started within the Forest boundary of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest some 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the northeast corner of quadrant 26.   Local resources are engaged with full suppression actions maintaining the safety of fire personnel and the public as the number one priority.  Gusty winds, unseasonably high temperatures, and dry conditions have resulted in active fire behavior and dangerous firefighting conditions for direct attack on the fire.   These circumstances forced air and ground crews to disengage from the fire on 10/5 and 10/6.  This fire is burning within portions of the footprint of the 1988 Canyon Creek Fire.   Fire personnel installed point protection on threatened ranches adjacent to the Forest boundary in Smith Creek and have postured to apply additional point protection to reinforce threatened recreational cabins and ranches in the Benchmark corridor.  The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain and fueled by regenerated Lodgepole pine and heavy stands of Douglas fir. Smoke was clearly visible from Choteau, Augusta, and along Montana State Highway 287 on 10/6 and could be again visible during the afternoon of 10/7.  

Current Situation:

Fire behavior yesterday was typified by slow backing and creeping because of much cooler temperatures and light winds.  These circumstances allowed crews to safely improve the existing access road up to the Forest boundary in Smith Creek.  Furthermore, Smith Creek crews conducted contingency line assessments where they could efficiently defend fire spread onto private land and were also successful in preventing eastward perimeter expansion beyond the Petty and Smith Creek confluence, as well as preventing northward extension beyond Petty Creek.   In the Benchmark corridor crews staged all the needed equipment for point protection of the recreational cabins within the Double Falls and Ford Creek area with an aim to have all of it operational by the end of shift tonight.  Cooler temperatures and higher humidity today will allow backcountry crews to continue to assess control line and anchor points within Petty Creek and check growth with helicopter water drops throughout the day.  Resources available today include:  2 type-1, 1 type-2, and 1 type-3 helicopters, 2 dozers, 1 skidgen, 2 interagency hotshot crews, 2 Type II initial attack crews, and 7 engines.  There are 140 personnel assigned.

Area and Trail Closures:

For the public’s safety the Benchmark Road and trails adjacent to the fire are closed.   In the meantime, Smith Creek, Crown Mountain, and Petty Ford Creek trails are closed.   Expect a larger area closure footprint over the weekend.  The expected closure description follows: 

Description of Expected Closure Area BoundaryWest Boundary – Scapegoat Wilderness Area North Boundary – Ridgeline from Wilderness Boundary to Ford Creek to Benchmark Road (225) to Administrative BoundaryEast Boundary – Administrative Boundary of National Forest LandsSouth Boundary – Weasel Creek Trail 245 Trails within the Closure:

Trail Name

Trail ID

Crown Mountain

270

Jakie Creek

214

Moudess Creek

238

Petty Crown

232

Petty Crown Connector

270.1

Petty-Ford Creek

244

Smith Creek

215

Weasel Creek

245  Campgrounds within Closure: Double Falls Campgrounds  Elk Creek Road Closure:   Elk Creek Road is closed while Lewis and Clark County completes a bridge replacement project. The project is expected to be completed by November 15, 2021.  Please note, there is no correlation between this closure and the Crown Mountain Fire.     The bridge project is located 6.1 miles up Elk Creek Road from Hwy 435 and the road will be closed to all vehicle traffic beyond that point for the duration of the work. In 2018, a significant flood event damaged three of five bridges located near the end of Elk Creek Road which is maintained by Lewis and Clark County. This is the last of the three bridges to be replaced. Work on the other two bridges was completed in 2020.    Elk Creek Road, located approximately 6.5 miles from Augusta, serves as access US Forest Service land. Hunters using Elk Creek Road to gain access to US Forest Service land beyond the project area are advised to plan for impacts.  For any further information about the Elk Creek Road Bridge Replacement, contact Dan Karlin at (406) 447-8034.

 

Quick Facts:

• Location: 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest 
• Detected: October 4, 2021
• Cause: under investigation
• Current size: 818 acres 
• Containment: 0%
• Ownership/Jurisdiction: Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Fire Summary:

 The Crown Mountain Fire started within the Forest boundary of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest some 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the northeast corner of quadrant 26.   Local resources are engaged with full suppression actions maintaining the safety of fire personnel and the public as the number one priority.  Gusty winds, unseasonably high temperatures, and dry conditions have resulted in active fire behavior and dangerous firefighting conditions for direct attack on the fire.   These circumstances forced air and ground crews to disengage from the fire on 10/5 and 10/6.  This fire is burning within portions of the footprint of the 1988 Canyon Creek Fire.   Fire personnel installed point protection on threatened ranches adjacent to the Forest boundary in Smith Creek and have postured to apply additional point protection to reinforce threatened recreational cabins and ranches in the Benchmark corridor.  The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain and fueled by regenerated Lodgepole pine and heavy stands of Douglas fir. Smoke was clearly visible from Choteau, Augusta, and along Montana State Highway 287 on 10/6 and could be again visible during the afternoon of 10/7.  

Current Situation:

 The fire again exhibited extremely active behavior late yesterday afternoon.  Last night’s infrared overflight mapped yesterday’s growth at 818 acres.  The burning is still between the Petty and Moudess Creek drainages and the newest growth was primarily to the south and the east into quadrant 24.  It did not extend beyond the Petty and Smith Creek confluence, nor did it extend to the north beyond Petty Creek.  The Forest Service continues a full suppression strategy focusing on point protection of threatened ranches and recreational residences.  Benchmark corridor crews today will reinforce recreational residences in the Double Falls area and around the Ford Creek Guest Ranch.   The cooler temperatures and calmer winds in the Smith Creek area are allowing crews to assess and employ direct tactics to keep the fire perimeter west of the Petty and Smith Creek confluence.   Resources available include:  3 type-1, 1 type-2, and 1 type-3 helicopters, 2 dozers, 1 skidgen, 2 interagency hotshot crews, 2 Type II initial attack crews, and 7 engines.  There are 130 personnel assigned to the Fire.

Area and Trail Closures:

For the public’s safety the Benchmark Road and trails adjacent to the fire are closed.   Expect a larger area closure footprint in the coming days.  In the meantime, Smith Creek, Crown Mountain, and Petty Ford Creek trails are closed.   Please be cautious of fire traffic working in and around Augusta, Smith Creek, and the Benchmark Corridor.  

 

Quick Facts:

• Location: 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest 
• Detected: October 4, 2021
• Cause: under investigation
• Current size: 300 acres 
• Containment: 0%
• Ownership/Jurisdiction: Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Fire Summary:

The Crown Mountain Fire is located within the Forest boundary of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest some 16 miles west of Augusta, MT, in the northeast corner of quadrant 26.   Local resources are engaged with full suppression actions maintaining the safety of fire personnel and the public as the number one priority.  This fire is burning within portions of the footprint of the 1988 Canyon Creek Fire.   Fire personnel are installing point protection equipment to reinforce threatened recreational cabins and adjacent ranches.  The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain and fueled by regenerated Lodgepole pine and heavy stands of Douglas fir. Smoke is visible from Choteau, Augusta, and along Montana State Highway 287.  

Current Situation:

The fire is currently burning in between the Petty and Moudess Creek drainages. Yesterday, the fire displayed extreme behavior in response to the warm, dry, and breezy conditions.  The Forest Service is using a full suppression strategy focusing on point protection of threatened ranches and recreational residences.  Installation of hoses, sprinklers, and pumps was completed on the Goss and Weisner Ranches and crews are posturing to do the same for Double Falls recreational cabins, the Ford Creek Guest Ranch, and the Cobb Ranch.  Resources were ordered and are steadily arriving to include:  3 helicopters, 2 dozers, 1 skidgen, 2 interagency hotshot crews, 2 Type II initial attack crews, and numerous engines.  As of Wednesday afternoon, there are 127 personnel assigned to the Crown Mountain Fire.  

Area and Trail Closures:

For the public’s safety the Benchmark Road and trails adjacent to the fire are closed.   Expect a larger area closure footprint in the coming days.  In the meantime, Smith Creek, Crown Mountain, and Petty Ford Creek trails are closed.   Please be cautious of fire traffic working in and around Augusta, Smith Creek, and the Benchmark Corridor.