A new Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Rick Connell took over management of the fires at 6:00 a.m. Saturday.

As containment increases and additional firefighting strategies are implemented, smoke will remain visible as interior pockets of fuel continue to burn. Fire managers are using a combination of direct and indirect firefighting tactics, keeping firefighter and public safety a top priority.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

On the southern perimeter, fire behavior remains moderate with isolated pockets of heat in the Morgan Jones Lake area. The fire is creeping and smoldering in Nez Perce Creek and crews are securing and patrolling the area around the Hirschy Ranch equipment cabin. Helicopters will be used to monitor this area and conduct water drops if necessary. Engine crews are patrolling the Gibbonsville Road and Foothills Road on the eastern side, and across the northern perimeter. On the western edge, the fire continues to creep and smolder in the May Creek area. Firefighters are preparing to do a burnout here over the next few days to reduce fuels and tie existing fireline into already blackened areas. There may be smoke impacts to Gibbonsville and the Highway 93 corridor. Structure protection remains in place in the Gibbonsville area, including water tanks, pumps, and sprinklers. In areas with completed containment line, some repair and rehabilitation work has begun.

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

A crew of Hot Shots took advantage of ideal weather conditions Friday afternoon to do a burnout near Calvert Loop Road, with substantial smoke visible. Firefighters will improve line and mop-up in this area Saturday as heavy fuels burn down. Engine crews will patrol fireline on the western/northwestern edge of the fire, while repair and rehabilitation work has begun on the eastern side. Equipment operators will continue to process and deck logs from fuel breaks, as well as remove hazard trees and clean up downed trees and brush. Additionally, crews are removing hose lays and pumps no longer in use, to send back to the National Cache for use on other fires.

SAND LAKE FIRE:

Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake Fire has been minimal and will be monitored by air.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Fire activity will be moderate today. Temperatures will rise into the upper 60-70s, with southwest, terrain-driven winds. Relative humidity will be in the teens to low-20s. Predicted winds through the weekend are advantageous to areas of concern on all three fires as it could push fire back into what has already burned. A warming and drying trend will continue into the start of the week.

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 Information Line: 406-624-9452 (8 a. m. to 8 p. m.)
Ald er Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/
Trai l Creek: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/
Sand Lake: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/
Email: 2021.Aldercreek@firenet.gov
Facebook: @AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 24,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

Northern Rockies Team will start to arrive over the next few days. They will shadow Team 6 on Friday before assuming command of the fires at 6 AM on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

Fire behavior was moderate yesterday, mostly backing and flanking surface fire within the Nez Perce creek, May creek, and the upper Cabinet Creek Drainage areas. Firefighters continue to look for more opportunities to go direct and improve containment lines. Engine crews are patrolling the north side containment lines and mop up any hot spots. Crews have begun line repair and rehabilitation in areas of the fire that are contained. Structure protection remains in place, monitoring fire behavior and evaluating structures.

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

The fire continues to back and flack toward control features in the Sawlog creek and Calvert creek areas. Firefighters remain in the area throughout the day, monitoring and evaluating structures and mopping up any hot spots. Line repair and rehabilitation work continues the eastern edge of the fire, with crews and equipment removing hazard trees and cleaning up downed trees and brush.  

SAND LAKE FIRE:

Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake fire continues to be minimal. The fire will be monitored by air resources.

Remember

The public can expect to see smoke coming from the interior pockets of the fire line until the area receives considerable precipitation or moisture. Firefighters attack the fire directly where it is safe to do so and engage indirectly in areas where it is too steep or dangerous.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Clear skies, light winds, and warmer conditions are expected today. As winds increase over the next day, elevated fire weather concerns may develop.

SAFETY:

U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. Watch for trees, rocks, and critters on the roadways. Travel with caution and remember school has started in the local communities, and hunting season is ongoing.

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 Forests, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.

Fi re Information on Li ne:   406 - 624 – 9452 (8 a. m. to 8 p. m.)

Al d er Creek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/

Trai lCreek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

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

Email: 2021.a l d e rcreek @firenet .gov

Facebook: @ A l d e r Creek andTrailCreek Fir e s

Northern Rockies Team 4 will start to arrive over the next few days. They will shadow Team 6 on Friday before assuming command of the fires at 6 AM on Saturday, September 25, 2021. 
 
TRAIL CREEK FIRE:
Yesterday, fire behavior was moderate with backing and flanking surface fire within the Nez Perce creek, May creek, and the upper Cabinet Creek Drainage areas. Over the next few days, firefighters will continue to look for more opportunities to go direct and improve containment lines. Engine crews will patrol the north side containment lines and mop up any hot spots. In the contained areas of the fire, crews are working on line repair and rehabilitation. Structure protection remains in place, monitoring fire behavior and evaluating structures. 
 
ALDER CREEK FIRE:
Crews are using natural control features to prepare and construct indirect line on the north side of the fire. The fire was backing and flacking toward control features in the Sawlog creek and Calvert creek areas. Firefighters will stay in the area throughout the day, monitoring and evaluating structures and mopping up any hot spots. On the eastern edge of the fire, crews are shifting their focus to line repair and rehabilitation. Firefighters and heavy equipment are removing hazard trees and cleaning up downed trees and brush. Additionally, crews are removing hose lays and pumps that are no longer being used and are sending them back to the National Cache for cleaning and made available for other fires. 
 
SAND LAKE FIRE:
Fire growth and activity on the Sand Lake fire continues to be minimal. The fire will be monitored by air resources. 
Remember
 
The public can expect to see smoke coming from the interior pockets of the fire line until the area receives considerable precipitation or moisture. Firefighters attack the fire directly where it is safe to do so and engage indirectly in areas where it is too steep or dangerous. 
 
WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Cooler temperatures are expected today, with continued dry and breezy west to northwest winds contributing to moderate fire behavior. The high-pressure system will bring another cold night tonight but expect a warming and drying trend through the end of the week. 
 
SAFETY: 
U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are OPEN to through traffic. Watch for trees, rocks, and critters on the roadways. Travel with caution and remember school has started in the local communities, and hunting season is ongoing. 
 
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 Forests, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 21,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

The Trail Creek, Alder Creek, and Sand Lake Fire Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, September 22, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Gibbonsville Community Center, Gibbonsville, Idaho, and Wise River Community Center, Wise River, Montana. The Incident Commander, Operations, Fire Behavior Analyst, and Public Information Officer will be on hand to brief community members and answer questions regarding the Trail Creek, Alder Creek, and Sand Lake Fire. Community members are encouraged to attend. Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, we are asking everyone to wear a mask while attending the public meeting.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

More precipitation and cooler weather aided fire crews today. Crews found opportunities to go direct and improve existing containment lines. Today, firefighters continue to improve the indirect line connecting the south and western edges of the fire. Weather depending, crews will use backburns to clean up unburned fuel between the fire and containment lines. Firefighters expect the fire to be most active on the Nez Perce creek and Anderson creek areas of the fire. Engine crews will patrol the north side containment lines and mop up any hot spots. Structure protection remains in place, monitoring fire behavior and evaluating structures.

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Higher elevation areas of the fire received snow yesterday, further assisting crews in containment progress. Crews continued to improve indirect lines and mop up hot spots. Crews are using natural control features to prepare and construct indirect line. Fire activity will continue to be active in Saw Log creek and Calvert Hill areas. Weather depending, crews will look for opportunities to use backburns to secure containment lines and further reduce fire spread. Structure protection remains in place near Alder Creek. Crews will remain in the area throughout the day, monitoring and evaluating structures and mopping up any hot spots.

SAND LAKE FIRE:

With the cold and wet weather, growth and fire activity on the Sand Lake fire has been minimal. The fire is in a remote area and will continue to be monitored by air resources.

Remember

The public can expect to see smoke coming from the interior pockets of the fire line until the area receives considerable precipitation or moisture. Firefighters attack the fire directly where it is safe to do so and engage indirectly in areas where it is too steep or dangerous. The fireteam continues to develop the suppression repair plan.  

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Tuesday will be slightly warmer and drier than the past few days. A dry cold front is expected to move through the area Wednesday, bringing warmer temperatures and gusty winds. Fire activity could increase throughout the week with the passing dry cold front.  

SAFETY:

U.S. Route 93, Highway 43 (Chief Joseph Pass to Wise River), and the Pioneer Scenic Byway is OPEN to through traffic. Watch for trees and rocks on the roadways. With the change of weather, the roads may be wet with rain or snow in higher elevations. Remember, school has started in the local communities and hunting season is ongoing. Please continue to use caution when driving through the area, as crews will still be in the area.  

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 Forests, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.

Fi re Information on Li ne:   406 - 624 – 9452 (8 a. m. to 8 p. m.)

Al d er Creek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/

Trai lCreek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

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

Email: 2021.a l d e rcreek @firenet .gov

Facebook: @ A l d e r Creek andTrailCreek Fir e s

 ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 19,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

The Trail Creek Fire Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, September 22, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Gibbonsville Community Center, Gibbonsville, Idaho, and Wise River Community Center, Wise River, Montana. The Incident Commander, Operations, Fire Behavior Analyst, and Public Information Officer will be on hand to brief community members and answer questions regarding the Trail Creek Fire. Community members are encouraged to attend.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered to replace Northern Rockies Team 6.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

The cooler weather and slight precipitation received across the fire area was beneficial for firefighting efforts. Crews found opportunities to go direct and set up hose lays on the fire’s south and eastern perimeter. Today, firefighters continue to improve the indirect line connecting the south and western edges of the fire. Fire activity will continue to be active in the May creek and Nez Perce creek areas. Engine crews will patrol the north side containment lines and mop up any hot spots. Structure protection remains in place, monitoring fire behavior and evaluating structures.

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Yesterday, firefighters continued to improve indirect lines and mop up hot spots. Cool temperatures, cloud cover, and minimal fire behavior allowed firefighters to make progress on the fire’s northeastern edge. Crews are using natural control features to prepare and construct indirect line. Fire activity will continue to be active in Saw Log creek and Calvert Hill areas. Structure protection remains in place near Alder Creek. Crews will remain in the area throughout the day, monitoring and evaluating structures and mopping up any hot spots.

Additionally, fire managers were able to send a hand crew to other, more active fires, in the area to help with suppression needs. Crews and aircraft will be available to help local units with new and existing fires in the area.

SAND LAKE FIRE:

With the cold and wet weather, growth and fire activity on the Sand Lake fire has been minimal. The fire is in a remote area and will continue to be monitored by air resources.

Remember

The public can expect to see smoke coming from the interior pockets of the fire line until the area receives considerable precipitation or moisture. Firefighters attack the fire directly where it is safe to do so and engage indirectly in areas where it is too steep or dangerous. The fireteam continues to develop the suppression repair plan. This plan will describe areas where repaired work will take place and how equipment can be removed.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Monday will feature another cooler day, with highs around 50 and lingering gusty west to northwest winds. A few scattered showers may impact southwest Montana, but wetting rains are not expected. Another dry cold front arrives, bringing an uptick in winds, warmer and drier conditions by mid-week. In the morning, firefighters should expect minimal fire behavior like yesterday but should expect fire behavior to increase as clouds clear in the afternoon.

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway is open to through traffic. Watch for trees and rocks on the roadways. With the change of weather, the roads may be wet with rain or snow in higher elevations. Remember, school has started in the local communities and hunting season is ongoing. Please continue to use caution when driving through the area, as crews will still be in the area.  

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 Forests, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.

Fire Information on Line:   406 - 624 – 9452 (8 a. m. to 8 p. m.)

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

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

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

Email: 2021.a l d e rcreek @firenet .gov

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 19,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

Conditions were difficult again yesterday, as wind gusts reached 50 mph in some areas of the fire. Firefighters worked hard to ensure containment lines held while ensuring public and firefighter safety. While the fire was active today, all containment lines held firm.

Crews continue patrol containment lines and mop up hot spots. Taking advantage of cooler weather and change in fire behavior, hotshot crews will continue to improve and expand containment lines and evaluate opportunities for direct attack. Engine crews will patrol the north side containment lines and mop up any hot spots. Structure protection remains in place, monitoring fire behavior and evaluating structures.

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

While much of the Alder fire remained active yesterday, the containment lines held firm, with much of the activity being interior. Crews patrolled containment lines to ensure they held and mopped up hot spots. No smokes were seen near the scenic by-way.

Crews will continue to patrol and improve containment lines and mop up hot spots. The logging operation continues to make good progress. Structure protection remains in place near Alder Creek. Crews will remain in the area throughout the day, monitoring and evaluating structures and mopping up any hot spots.

SAND LAKE FIRE:

Growth and fire activity on the Sand Lake fire has been minimal. Crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire.

Remember

The public can expect to see smoke coming from the interior pockets of the fire line until the area receives considerable precipitation or moisture. Firefighters attack the fire directly where it is safe to do so and engage indirectly in areas where it is too steep or dangerous. The fireteam continues to develop the suppression repair plan. This plan will describe areas where repaired work will take place and how equipment can be removed.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Cooler temperatures are expected over the next few days, with a good chance of moisture today and tomorrow. Wetting rain and possible snow in some areas is predicted. This storm can still produce some gusty winds.

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway is open to through traffic. Watch for trees and rocks on the roadways. With the change of weather, the roads may be wet with rain or snow in higher elevations. Remember, school has started in the local communities and hunting season is ongoing. Please continue to use caution when driving through the area, as crews will still be in the area.  

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 Forests, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.

Fi re Information on Li ne:   406 - 624 – 9452 (8 a. m. to 8 p. m.)

Al d er Creek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/

 Trai lCreek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

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

Email: 2021.a l d e rcreek @firenet .gov

Facebook: @ A l d e r Creek andTrailCreek Fir e s

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 18,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

The Red Flag Warning continues today for the Trail and Alder Fire areas. Estimated winds of 45 mph are predicted. This will create difficult conditions for fire fighters and fire managers will be taking extra precautions to ensure firefighter and public safety.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

Yesterday’s conditions created difficult conditions for firefighters. High winds caused several issues for crews, including small spot fires and falling trees. Crews were able to contain all the spot fires and keep them small. In addition to the spot fires, the high winds also caused several trees to fall near the containment lines and across roadways. This creates dangerous conditions for firefighters and the public. Fire crews used a sprinkler system near the containment line to help prevent any more spot fires and reduce the risk to firefighters being in the falling timber.

With conditions remaining the same today, crews will follow much of the same plan today- continuing to patrol and monitor fire behavior. Engine crews will patrol the north side containment lines and mop up any hot spots. In addition, hot shot crews will continue to build containment line on the north end of the fire and monitor.

Structure protection remains in place, monitoring fire behavior and evaluating structures. Crews will continue to patrol and monitor through the night as well.

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Much like Trail Creek, conditions on the fire were difficult. High winds and low humidity allowed the fire to burn more active on some sections of the fire. A few interior spots flared up yesterday but were quickly tamed by helicopters. Crews patrolled containment lines to ensure they held and mopped up hot spots.

With conditions remaining the same today, crews will continue to use caution in the timber, patrolling and improve containment lines and mop up hot spots. The logging operation continues to make good progress.

Structure protection remains in place near Alder Creek, monitoring and evaluating structures. Crews will remain in the area throughout the day, monitoring and mopping up any hot spots.

SAND LAKE FIRE:

The fire is established and active, growth is minimal, moving slowly along the side of the mountain. Crews will continue to monitor the fire and evaluate values at risk.

Remember

Until the area receives considerable precipitation or moisture, the public will continue to see smoke coming from interior pockets of the fire. Firefighters attack the fire directly where it is safe to do so and engage indirectly in areas where it is too steep or dangerous. The fireteam continues to develop the suppression repair plan. This plan will describe areas where repaired work will take place and how equipment can be removed.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. this evening for high gusty winds and low relative humidity. These conditions are a head of cold front moving into the area, which is predicted to bring cooler and wetter conditions back to the area Sunday and Monday.

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway is open to through traffic. Watch for trees and rocks on roadways. Remember, school has started in the local communities and hunting season is ongoing. Please continue to use caution when driving through the area, as crews will still be in the area.  

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 Forests, the Beaverhead-

Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.

Fi re Information on Li ne:   406 - 624 – 9452 (8 a. m. to 8 p. m.)

Al d er Creek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/

 Trai lCreek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/

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

Email: 2021.a l d e rcreek @firenet .gov

Facebook: @ A l d e r Creek andTrailCreek Fir e s

                                                                      ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 17,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the areas that include the Trail and Alder Fire areas. Estimated winds of 45 mph are predicted. A Red Flag Warning is a forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service in the United States to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion, and rapid spread.[1] After drought conditions, when humidity is very low, and especially when there are high or erratic winds which may include lightning as a factor, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

With the forecasted Red Flag Warning coming into the area, high winds will cause difficult conditions for firefighters working on the fire. Crews will focus on patrolling and monitoring containment lines and mopping up hot spots. Last night fire personnel conducted a successful burning operation to help secure lines and today crews will continue to mop up hot spots and improve the perimeter line. The logging operation along Highway 43 is complete and the road is expected to reopen. Structure protection remains in place, monitoring fire behavior and evaluating structures. Crews will continue to patrol and monitor through the night as well.

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Much like Trail Creek, the Red Flag Warning will be in effect for the Alder Fire area today through Saturday evening. Crews will focus on patrolling the fire area, monitoring fire behavior, and mopping up hot spots near containment lines along the scenic bi-way.  A burn out operation helping to secure the line was successful last evening and today fire personnel will look for hot spots, mop up and improve the perimeter. Structure protection remains in place near Alder Creek, monitoring and evaluating structures. Crews will remain in the area throughout the day, monitoring and mopping up any hot spots.

SAND LAKE FIRE:

The fire is established and active, growth is minimal, moving slowly along the side of the mountain. Crews will continue to monitor the fire and evaluate values at risk.

The Incident Management Team has utilized “Fire Apparatus” or Engines on the fire in a variety of ways. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes 7 classifications of engines. Based primarily on water capacity and pumping capability. Type 1 and 2 Engines are used for structure protection and carry 300 gallons of water, type 3 Engines carry, 500 gallons, type 4 Engines, 750 gallons, type 5 Engines, 400 gallons, type 6 Engines, 150 gallons and type 7 Engines, 50 gallons. Type 4 and 6 Engines were best suited for the terrain and fire behavior on the Trail and Alder Fires. Engines are a versatile tool for fire managers. On the Trail and Alder Fires, engines are used to protect homes and continue to patrol and put out hotspots throughout the duration of the fire.

Remember

The public can expect to see smoke coming from interior pockets in the fire area for the next few days. This is normal and can be expected until considerable moisture covers the area. Firefighters were not able to directly attack all areas of the fire. The areas where it was just too steep or too dangerous for firefighters to work in. The fireteam continues to develop the suppression repair plan. This plan will describe areas where repair work will take place and how soon hose lays can be pulled out.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A Red Flag Warning for 1 p.m. today through 9 p.m. Saturday evening for high gusty winds and low relative humidity. These conditions are a head of cold front moving into the area, which is predicted to bring cooler and wetter conditions back to the area Sunday and Monday.

SAFETY:

 The Pioneer Scenic Byway is open to through traffic. Watch for increased traffic, school has started in the local communities and hunting season is ongoing. Please continue to use caution when driving through the area, as crews will still be in the area.  

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 Forests, the Beaverhead-

Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.

Fire Information Line:   406 - 624 – 9452 (8 a. m. to 8 p. m.)
Alder Creek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7641/
TrailCreek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/
Sand Lake:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/
Email: 2021.a l d e creek @firenet .gov

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 16,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

 Crews made good progress yesterday, despite the wind conditions. The handline, from Forest Service #079 north along the ridge between Anderson Creek and Smithy Creek to Anderson Mountain, made signification progress and containment lines along the south, east, and northern sides of the fire held strong during the wind event. Although weather conditions are expected to remain in critical fire level for the next few days, crews will continue to look for opportunities to go direct.

Structure protection remains in place, improving containment lines, mopping up hot spots and monitoring fire behavior, although crews reported little activity near the containment line. Crews will continue to monitor and mop up hot spots throughout the night as well.

While Hwy 43 remains closed, crews continue to remove hazard trees along Highway 43 for the next few days.

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Firefighters caught a break yesterday, with winds pushing the fire back onto itself, slowing forward progress and reducing fire behavior. Crews used this opportunity to continue working from Sawlog Road to Culvert Loop Road creating containment lines and going direct in some areas.  

Crews reported very few smokes on the southern half of the fire yesterday, despite the windy conditions. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol the corridor and scenic bi-way looking for areas of concern.

The structure protection remains in place near Alder Creek, monitoring and evaluating structures. Crews will remain in the area throughout the evening, monitoring and mopping up any hot spots.

SAND LAKE FIRE:

The fire is established but growth has been minimal, moving slowly along the side of the mountain. Crews will continue to monitor the fire and evaluate values at risk.

Remember

The public can expect to see smoke coming from interior pockets in the fire area for the next few days. This is normal and can be expected until considerable moisture covers the area. Firefighters were not able to directly attack all areas of the fire. The areas where it was just too steep or too dangerous for firefighters to work in. The fireteam continues to develop the suppression repair plan. This plan will describe areas where repair work will take place and how soon hose lays can be pulled out.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Strong, gusty winds are expected again over the next few days. Weather conditions are expected to remain critical through the weekend, with a possibility of a cool down Sunday.

SAFETY:

 The Pioneer Scenic Byway is open to through traffic. Watch for increased traffic, school has started in the local communities and hunting season is ongoing. Crews will be removing hazard trees along Highway 43 for the next few days. Expect firefighters and equipment near roadways. Montana Department of Transportation has scheduled Highway 43 to replace bridges over Trail Creek for September 13th through 16th. The closure will last 24 hours a day (Monday-Thursday). The road is expected to reopen on Friday morning (September 17th).

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 Forests, the Beaverhead-

Deerlodge National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. View the updated closure orders on the respective agency websites and the fires' Inciweb pages.