ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

OCTOBER 5, 2021

 

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov

Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/  | Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/
 

Total Personnel: 362

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Hunters, please watch for fire personnel. There may be firefighters designated as lookouts working outside the closure areas. Don’t mistake them for the game you are hunting! Please obey all closure signs. Law enforcement is patrolling the closure areas.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 61,992 acres | 69% complete: Despite critical fire weather on Monday, fire activity was moderate. With Tuesday’s continued warm, dry, windy weather, interior pockets of unburned fuel in Smithy, May, and Nugget creeks may come together and burn out, but the perimeter lines look good. Crews are repairing dozer line and roads around all sides of the fire. Crews continue to monitor the Morgan Jones Lake area, Nugget Creek, and Nez Perce Creek and use helicopters to keep fire in check as needed. On the southeastern side, all hose has been backhauled to the incident command post for processing to send back to the Missoula fire cache.

ALDER CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 36,930 acres | 45% complete: Crews are monitoring Osborne Creek, and while there was less activity than expected Monday, there is still a chance with today’s critical fire weather for the spot fires to burn together and into the main fire. Firefighters are monitoring Tucker Creek and Sawlog Creek and will utilize helicopters to keep fire in check as needed. Calvert Creek had increased fire activity Monday, and helicopters were used for water drops on the upper end. Suppression repair work continues around the northwest and southwest sides of the Sawlog area, with more equipment being shifted there to assist.

SAND LAKE FIRE | Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and is being monitored by air. If there is any life left in this fire, it will show itself during this critical fire weather period.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Another day of critical fire weather conditions are expected to persist as temperatures continue to warm and winds remain elevated out of the southwest. Temperatures will be in the low-70’s, humidity’s the low-teens, and winds 10-15 mph with gusts 25-30 mph. Fire activity will pick up in areas still holding heat, with more visible smoke likely. Wednesday, an unsettled weather pattern will bring colder, more humid weather with chances of precipitation.

EVACUATIONS & SAFETY:  The Lemhi County Sheriff has lifted all stages of evacuations for Gibbonsville, Idaho. The Beaverhead County Sheriff has lifted all stages of evacuations in the Alder Creek Fire area. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are open to through traffic. Please be careful of fire crews working in the area. For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinities. If you fly, we can’t.

CLOSURES:

• The Big Hole National Battlefield visitor center will reopen on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. The lower parking lot, trails, and picnic area remain closed for public safety and resource protection.
• Gibbonsville Road is closed at FS Road 944 (Big Moosehorn Creek Road) coming from the east, all the way to Dahlonega. Big Hole Pass is also closed.
• Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed. 
• May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.
• Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information. 

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

OCTOBER 4, 2021

 

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov

Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/  | Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/

Total Personnel: 363

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Hunters, please watch for fire personnel. There may be firefighters designated as lookouts working outside the closure areas. Don’t mistake them for the game you are hunting! Please obey all closure signs. Law enforcement is patrolling the closure areas.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 61,990 acres | 67% complete: With warmer temperatures, lower humidity’s, and higher winds, expect more active fire behavior in areas still holding heat, including Smithy, May, and Nugget creeks. If conditions are right, interior pockets may burn together but the perimeter should hold. Suppression repair work has begun in most areas of the fire including some road grading. Firefighters continue to monitor Nez Perce Creek and around Morgan Jones Lake where little heat remains. Yesterday, a Type 1 Chinook helicopter supported efforts in Nugget Creek, dropping approximately 60,000 gallons of water throughout the day. On the southeastern side, crews are pulling hose off the ridge and emptying water tanks.

ALDER CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 36,905 acres | 43% complete: The Alder Creek Fire may see increased fire behavior in areas still holding heat, including Christiansen and Osborne creeks. With the critical fire weather conditions today and tomorrow, the Osborne spot fires have the potential to burn back into the black of the main fire and smoke columns may become visible. Otherwise not much growth is expected. Crews will pull out and monitor the fire in Tucker Creek due to the increased winds and dangerous snags in the area. In the areas north and south of Sawlog, and the eastern perimeter, crews are patrolling, doing suppression repair, and putting in water bars where needed.

SAND LAKE FIRE | Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and is being monitored by air.
 
WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Monday, temperatures will be in the low-70’s, humidity’s will drop into the single digits or low-teens, and southwest winds will increase to 10-15 mph with gusts 30-35 mph, bringing critical fire weather conditions. Fire activity will pick up in areas still holding heat. Wednesday, an unsettled weather pattern will bring colder, more humid weather with chances of precipitation.

EVACUATIONS & SAFETY:  Gibbonsville, Idaho, remains in “Ready” evacuation status. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. The Beaverhead County Sheriff has lifted all stages of evacuations in the Alder Creek Fire area. Please be careful of fire crews working in the area. For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinities. If you fly, we can’t.

CLOSURES:

• The Big Hole National Battlefield visitor center will reopen on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. The lower parking lot, trails, and picnic area remain closed for public safety and resource protection.
• Gibbonsville Road is closed at FS Road 944 (Big Moosehorn Creek Road) coming from the east, all the way to Dahlonega. Big Hole Pass is also closed.
• Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed. 
• May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.
• Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information. 

 ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

OCTOBER 3, 2021

 

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov

Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/  | Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/
 

Total Personnel: 354

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Hunters, please watch for fire personnel. There may be firefighters designated as lookouts working outside the closure areas. Don’t mistake them for the game you are hunting! Gibbonsville Road is closed at FS Road 944 (Big Moosehorn Creek Road) coming from the east, all the way to Dahlonega. Big Hole Pass is also closed. Please obey the road closure signs. Law enforcement will be patrolling the closure areas. TRAIL CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 61,987 acres | 67% complete: Fire continues to burn out in the interior, but less smoke was seen in the fire area Saturday. On the western perimeter around Anderson Mountain and Gibbonsville, work will transition to suppression repair and monitor status, along with some road grading. On the southern edge, firefighters are monitoring the Nez Perce Creek drainage and around Morgan Jones Lake where very little heat remains. Some backing fire remains in Nugget Creek. The east perimeter is in monitor and patrol status and suppression repair, with equipment operators doing chipping operations. North of Highway 43, crews are engaged in suppression repair and backhauling equipment no longer needed.   ALDER CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 36,742 acres | 43% complete: Fire behavior continues to be subdued on the Alder Creek Fire with most of the remaining heat in the Sawlog Creek area. Crews and engine modules continue working with hose lay and going direct in Sawlog Creek and Tucker Creek, utilizing air support as needed. In the areas around Sawlog, and the eastern perimeter, crews are patrolling, doing suppression repair, and putting in water bars where needed. On the southeastern side crews are pulling line. In Osborne Creek there is still some heat and fire activity could pick up on Monday and Tuesday as temperatures rise and humidity’s drop.   SAND LAKE FIRE | Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and is being monitored by air.   WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Sunday will be sunny, warm, and dry with light winds. Monday and Tuesday will bring near-critical fire conditions, but as the week moves on an unsettled weather pattern will bring colder, more humid weather with chances of precipitation. The fires will continue to creep and smolder today with lack of wind to drive them.  

EVACUATIONS & SAFETY:  Gibbonsville, Idaho, remains in “Ready” evacuation status. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. The Beaverhead County Sheriff has lifted all stages of evacuations in the Alder Creek Fire area. Please be careful of fire crews working in the area. For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinities. If you fly, we can’t.

  CLOSURES:

·       The Big Hole National Battlefield visitor center will reopen on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Visitor center hours of operation will be Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Big Hole National Battlefield’s lower parking lot, trails, and picnic area remain closed for public safety and resource protection.

·       Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed. 

·       May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.

·       Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information.

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES
 
OCTOBER 2, 2021

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm)
Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov
Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires
Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/
Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/
Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/

Total Personnel: 401
 
TRAIL CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 61,980 acres | 67% complete: The fire continues to cool with the changing weather and longer nights. Firefighters are mopping up in May Creek and fuels continue to burn out in the interior. Taking advantage of lower temperatures and higher humidity’s, helicopters conducted water drops in Smithy Creek to help ease it into the creek bottom where firefighters are going direct. Crews have begun suppression repair work on Anderson Mountain and are assessing repair needs around Gibbonsville. Firefighters are monitoring the Nez Perce Creek drainage and around Morgan Jones Lake. Some heat remains in Osborne Creek. The east perimeter is in monitor and patrol status and equipment operators are doing suppression repair work on fuel breaks. North of Highway 43, crews are engaged in suppression repair and backhauling equipment no longer needed.
 
ALDER CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 36,696 acres | 43% complete: Most of the remaining heat on the Alder Creek Fire is in the Sawlog Creek area. Crews and engine modules continue working with hose lay to pick up fire as it comes into Sawlog Creek and have begun to go direct as it moves into the lower part of Tucker Creek, utilizing air support as needed. Firefighters are patrolling fireline along the northwestern perimeter down to Tucker Creek, and on the southwestern perimeter up to Sawlog Creek. In these areas, and along the eastern perimeter, crews are doing suppression repair work and putting in water bars. On the southeastern perimeter, a task force is collecting data on suppression repair work needed, and crews will begin this work over the next several days.

SAND LAKE FIRE | Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and is being monitored by air. 
WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Saturday will be sunny with high temperatures around 70 degrees in the valley and relative humidity’s in the upper-teens to low-20’s. Winds will be south at 2-4 mph, becoming west to southwest at 4-8 mph, with gusts to 15 mph. In the evening, winds will shift to north, northwest on ridges. High pressure means a lack of wind to drive fire behavior. Long nights are taking the heat out of fires slowly. Fuel is critically dry, so it will continue to burn out. There will be a slow return to more active fire behavior over the coming days.
 
EVACUATIONS & SAFETY:  Gibbonsville, Idaho, remains in “Ready” evacuation status. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. The Beaverhead County Sheriff has lifted all stages of evacuations in the Alder Creek Fire area. Please be careful of fire crews working in the area. For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinities. If you fly, we can’t.

CLOSURES:

• The Big Hole National Battlefield visitor center will reopen on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Visitor center hours of operation will be Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Big Hole National Battlefield’s lower parking lot, trails, and picnic area remain closed for public safety and resource protection.
• Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed. 
• May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information. 

 ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

OCTOBER 1, 2021
 

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov | Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/  | Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/

Total Personnel: 407

Important! For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinities. If you fly, we can’t.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 61,980 acres | 67% complete: Cooler weather has helped with mop-up and containment efforts across the fire area. Crews have 90% of the west side mopped up where the strategic firing operations occurred last week and have begun suppression repair. In Smithy Creek, helicopter water drops are keeping the fire at bay as it backs and creeps into a place firefighters can go direct. Crews are backhauling water tanks, pumps, and sprinklers in the Gibbonsville area, starting at locations furthest from the fire and working towards those closest to the fire in the coming days. Firefighters continue to mop-up around Morgan Jones Lake and are monitoring the fire as it inches into Nugget Creek. The east perimeter is in monitor and patrol status. North of Highway 43, crews are engaged in suppression repair work and backhauling equipment no longer needed. They are also road grading and doing cleanup from felling operations.

ALDER CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 36,696 acres | 43% complete: Cooler weather continues to moderate fire behavior, with creeping and smoldering in the more active areas, and stump holes and logs burning out in the interior. Crew are patrolling fireline along the northwestern perimeter down to Tucker Creek and on the southwestern side up to Sawlog Creek. In Tucker and Sawlog, crews are working with hose lay to pick up fire as it comes into Sawlog. They will finish indirect line as it comes into Tucker Creek and look for opportunities to go direct. Crews and heavy equipment operators are working on suppression repair activities along Calvert Loop Road, Bryant Creek Road, and the eastern perimeter.

SAND LAKE FIRE | Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and is being monitored by air.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Clouds will move into the fire areas today with a very slight chance of precipitation. Temperatures will be 55-68 degrees, with south to southwest winds at 3-6 mph, becoming west to northwest at 5-8 mph and gusts at 15 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be 23-29%. Unsettled winds Friday afternoon could briefly increase fire activity, and there will be a slow return to more active fire behavior over the coming days. However, longer nights are helping, and infrared flights continue to pick up less heat within the fire perimeters.

SAFETY:  Gibbonsville, Idaho, remains in “Ready” evacuation status. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. The Beaverhead County Sheriff has lifted all stages of evacuations in the Alder Creek Fire area. Please be careful of fire crews working in all fire areas and watch for trees, rocks, and animals.

CLOSURES

• Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed.
• The Big Hole National Battlefield remains closed until further notice.
• May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.
• Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information.                 

 ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov | Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/  | Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/

Total Personnel: 441

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Community Open House: Thursday, September 30, 6 pm to 7 pm at the Wise River Community Center, Wise River, Montana. Incident personnel will be on hand to brief community members and answer questions regarding these fires. Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, we encourage everyone to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding use of masks, social distancing, and handwashing.

Acreage & Completion: These fires have been managed using multiple suppression strategies, with “percent completion” based on the strategies implemented and objectives completed, including confinement, monitoring, point protection, and full suppression. Completion of objectives captures and reports the specific amount of work accomplished on the ground. As current conditions and management actions change, these numbers are adjusted. Consequently, adjustments have affected both acreages and percentages. Acreages on the Trail Creek Fire now reflect all the acres within the perimeter, including unburned islands of fuel. The percentage complete for each fire has changed slightly due to acreage adjustments, strategy changes, current weather conditions, and time of year. Each factor is weighted and can affect the calculations accordingly.

Important! For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinities. If you fly, we can’t.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 61,961 acres | 67% complete: Cooler weather has helped with mop-up and containment efforts across the fire area. North of Highway 43, crews are engaged in suppression repair work and backhauling equipment no longer needed. They are also road grading and doing cleanup from felling operations. Firefighters are monitoring the east perimeter and continue to monitor and patrol fire line on the south side in the Big Hole Pass and Morgan Jones Lake area, with no helicopters needed today. The western edge is looking good, with crews continuing to mop-up from the strategic firing operations that occurred last weekend. They have begun gridding this area, looking for hot spots. Around Gibbonsville, crews have begun to backhaul water tanks, pumps, and sprinklers, starting at locations furthest away from the fire and working towards those closest to the fire in the coming days.

ALDER CREEK FIRE | Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 36,538 acres | 43% complete: With cooler weather, fire activity has been minimal. Firefighters continue to secure line along the west flank of the spot fire near Sawlog Creek and will monitor and patrol southwest from Bryant Creek Road to Sawlog Creek. Crews are securing the line on the lower half of Tucker Creek. Crews and heavy equipment operators are working on suppression repair activities along Calvert Loop Road, Bryant Creek Road, and along the eastern perimeter.    

SAND LAKE FIRE | Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and is being monitored by air.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Temperatures will be in the mid-50’s-60’s, with minimum relative humidity’s in the low-20’s. Winds will be west to southwest at 6 mph. Cooler weather and some moisture has reduced fire activity to minimal creeping and smoldering.    

SAFETY:  Gibbonsville, Idaho, remains in “Ready” evacuation status. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. The Beaverhead County Sheriff has lifted all stages of evacuations in the Alder Creek Fire area. Please be careful of fire crews working in all fire areas and watch for trees, rocks, and animals.    

CLOSURES:

• Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed.
• The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice.
• May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.
• Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information.                     

 ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov | Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/ 

Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/

Total Personnel: 517

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Open House: Thursday, September 30, from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Wise River Community Center, Wise River, Montana. Incident personnel will be on hand to brief community members and answer questions regarding the Trail Creek, Alder Creek, and Sand Lake fires. Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, we encourage everyone to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding use of masks, social distancing, and handwashing.
 
Important! For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinities.  If you fly, we can’t.
 
TRAIL CREEK FIRE [Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 57,325 acres | 75% contained]: Yesterday’s colder temperatures and some rain and snow in the fire area helped with mop-up and containment efforts along the south and west sides of the fire perimeter. Firefighters will monitor and patrol fireline east of Big Hole Pass, from Gibbonsville Road north to Rabbit Creek and to the dozer line west of Morgan Jones Lake. Crews will establish a hose lay along Nez Perce Ridge to Lookout Point. On the west edge, firefighters will seek opportunities to construct direct line through the head of Cabinet Creek drainage to tie the line into existing black. They will continue to use direct and indirect fireline to secure fire in the head of Smithy Creek drainage and connect to the containment line on Anderson Ridge Road. North of Highway 43, crews are engaged in suppression repair work and backhauling equipment no longer needed.

ALDER CREEK FIRE [Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 36,538 acres | 45% contained]: With cooler weather, quieter fire behavior was seen yesterday and is expected across the fire area today. Firefighters will continue to secure line along the west flank of the spot fire near Sawlog Creek. Engine and hand crews will monitor and patrol fireline southwest from Bryant Creek Road to Sawlog Creek and continue structure protection where needed. Crews and heavy equipment operators are working on suppression repair activities along the eastern perimeter. The repair group will continue to process and stack logs from the previously constructed fuel breaks.

SAND LAKE FIRE [Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres]: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and is being monitored by air.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Cool and dry conditions are expected today, with clouds along the mountains that will clear up by this afternoon. Temperatures will see highs in the 40s at higher elevations and mid-50s in the valleys, with lows in the 8-to-15-degree range. The moisture brought by the cold front increased relative humidity values, reducing fire activity to minimal creeping and smoldering in heavy fuels. Cooler temperatures and moderate humidity levels are expected through Thursday morning, followed by a slow warming trend.

SAFETY:  Gibbonsville, Idaho, remains in “Ready” evacuation status. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. Please be careful of fire crews working in these areas and watch for trees, rocks, and animals.

CLOSURES:

• Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed.
• The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice.
• May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.
• Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information.

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

 

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov | Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/ 

Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/

Total Personnel: 514

• Open House: Tuesday, September 28, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm at the Gibbonsville Community Center, Gibbonsville, Idaho.
• Open House: Thursday, September 30, from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Wise River Community Center, Wise River, Montana.

Incident personnel will be on hand to brief community members and answer questions regarding the Trail Creek, Alder Creek, and Sand Lake fires. Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, we encourage everyone to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding use of masks, social distancing, and handwashing.

Fire behavior increased due to several days of warmer temperatures, lower humidity values, and stronger winds. This resulted in more smoke; however, smoke is also coming into the area from other fires across the West. Fire activity is expected to moderate with the incoming cold front and precipitation.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE [Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 57,325 acres | 75% contained]: Firefighters have begun suppression repair efforts in the northern areas of the fire where the perimeter is contained. Hand crews are digging out culverts along Trail Creek Road in anticipation of grading. Crews are tying in line on the eastern edge from the intersection of Hwy 43/Foothills Road south to the northwest edge of the Morgan Jones Lake area. Helicopters continue to support operations with water drops in the May Creek and Nez Perce Creek drainages. Yesterday’s strategic firing operations from Smithy Creek to Anderson Mountain were successful and crews are camped/spiked out there to begin mop up operations early Tuesday. In Gibbonsville, crews drained hoses and winterized water equipment in anticipation of below freezing temperatures.

ALDER CREEK FIRE [Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 39,474 acres | 45% contained]:Yesterday, the Alder Creek Fire was more active on the northern perimeter after multiple days of warmer temperatures and higher winds. Crews completed and secured line along the edge of Saturday’s spot fire from Tucker Creek to Calvert Loop Road. Ground operations had heavy air support. Tomorrow, firefighters will continue to clean up and further strengthen containment lines. On the southern edge, fire behavior was quiet as it crept into the Pattengail Creek burn scar and rock scree fields. Engine and hand crews will monitor and patrol fireline southwest from Bryant Creek Road to Sawlog Creek and continue structure protection where needed. Crews are working on suppression repair activities along the eastern perimeter.

SAND LAKE FIRE [Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres]: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and is being monitored by air.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: A cold front will pass through the region Tuesday morning, bringing gusty west to northwest winds and some precipitation. Temperatures will be in the high-30s at higher elevations and low-50s in the valley. Cooler temperatures and moderate humidity levels are expected Wednesday through Thursday morning, followed by a slow warming trend.

SAFETY:  Gibbonsville, Idaho, remains in “Ready” evacuation status. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. Please be careful of fire crews working in these areas and watch for trees, rocks, and animals.  

CLOSURES:

• Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed.
• The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice.
• May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.
• Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information. 

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

 

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov | Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/ 

Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/

Total Personnel: 492

Two community open houses are scheduled this week:

• Tuesday, September 28, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm at the Gibbonsville Community Center, Gibbonsville, Idaho.
• Thursday, September 30, from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Wise River Community Center, Wise River, Montana.

Incident personnel will be on hand to brief community members and answer questions regarding the Trail Creek, Alder Creek, and Sand Lake fires. Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, we encourage everyone to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding use of masks, social distancing, and handwashing.

Over the past few days, fire managers took advantage of lower fuel moistures and favorable winds to conduct strategic firing operations with the goal of reducing fuels and increasing containment. Implementing these direct firefighting strategies will help secure and strengthen direct and indirect line previously put in. While there is cooler weather and some moisture beginning Tuesday, it is not predicted to be a season-ending event.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE [Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 57,052 acres | 75% contained]: Firefighters completed tactical firing operations around structures at Morgan Jones Lake and the Hirschy ranch equipment cabin and will mop-up and patrol the area. Crews will continue to prepare line to tie into Big Hole Pass. Strategic firing operations on the western edge have been successful and crews will finish on Monday and begin mop-up. Helicopters continue to support operations with water drops and monitoring. Stump holes and logs continue to burn out in the interior, creating some smoke, but overall, not much heat remains in much of the fire area. Crews will winterize water equipment around Gibbonsville residences to prepare for the incoming weather.

ALDER CREEK FIRE [Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 39,474 acres | 45% contained]: With warmer temperatures and higher winds, fire activity increased yesterday on the northwest side of the fire. However, due to favorable southwest winds, the spot fire reported Saturday pushed parallel to the fireline towards Tucker Creek where firefighters were able to tie it back into itself. Ground operations were supported by helicopters doing water drops. Fire behavior was quiet along the southeast edge of the fire and crews continued suppression repair activities. Engine and hand crews will monitor and patrol fireline southwest from Bryant Creek Road to Sawlog Creek and continue structure protection where needed.

SAND LAKE FIRE [Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres]: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and will be monitored by air.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Elevated fire weather is expected through tonight as warm, dry, and breezy conditions continue. Temperatures will be in the low-70s with relative humidity values in the teens. Tomorrow, an incoming cold front may bring some light precipitation and much cooler temperatures.

SAFETY:  Gibbonsville, Idaho, remains in “Ready” evacuation status. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. Please be careful of fire crews working in these areas and watch for trees, rocks, and animals.  

CLOSURES:

• Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed.
• The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice.
• May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.
• Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information.

 ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

 

Public Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2021.AlderCreek@firenet.gov | Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

Alder Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/ 

Trail Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/

Total Personnel: 498

As containment increases and additional firefighting strategies are implemented, smoke will remain visible as interior pockets of fuel continue to burn, and strategic burning operations are implemented. Fire managers are using a combination of direct and indirect firefighting tactics, keeping firefighter and public safety a top priority. An infrared mapping flight was conducted on Saturday night, resulting in updated acreages since the last flight on September 21.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE [Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 57,052 acres | 75% contained]: Yesterday, firefighters took advantage of favorable wind and fuel conditions to conduct tactical firing operations around Morgan Jones Lake and the Hirschy ranch equipment cabin to further secure those areas. Crews continue to mop-up and prepare line to tie into Big Hole Pass should additional firing operations be necessary. Helicopters will be available to monitor this area and conduct water drops as needed. On the fire’s western edge, firefighters conducted strategic firing operations, moving south along the completed fuel break to secure fire in the head of Smithy Creek. Crews will continue firing operations today to tie into Anderson Ridge Road. Smoke will continue to settle in low lying areas and drainages and may impact visibility in Gibbonsville and the Highway 93 corridor. Structure protection remains in place in the Gibbonsville area, including water tanks, pumps, and sprinklers.

ALDER CREEK FIRE [Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 39,474 acres | 45% contained]: On Friday and Saturday, crews continued work on strategic firing operations in the Sawlog Creek and Calvert Hill areas. Engine crews are cleaning up an approximately 300-acre spot fire that occurred during these operations and looking for opportunities to tie it back into the containment line. Firefighters will patrol fireline in areas with good containment and are still implementing structure protection on the northeastern edge of the fire. Equipment operators will continue to process and stack logs from fuel breaks, as well as remove hazard trees and clean up downed trees and brush.

SAND LAKE FIRE [Start Date: September 1, 2021 | Cause: Unknown | 228 acres]: Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and will be monitored by air.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Elevated fire weather is expected through Monday evening as increasingly warm and dry conditions coincide with gusty southwest winds. Temperatures will be in the low-70s with relative humidity’s in the teens. Fire behavior is expected to increase. On Tuesday, an incoming cold front may bring some rain or snow and much cooler conditions. SAFETY:  Gibbonsville, Idaho, remains in “Ready” evacuation status. U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. Please be careful of fire crews working in these areas and watch for trees, rocks, and animals.   CLOSURES:

• Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed.
• The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice.
• May Creek Campground and Steel Creek Campground are closed.
• Closure orders remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices), the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices), and the Bureau of Land Management.

 

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Public lands in southwest Montana and central Idaho are in varying stages of fire restrictions. Check www.mtfireinfo.org and www.idahofireinfo.com for the latest information.