ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

 SAND LAKE FIRES

September 15,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

 

 

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

 As hand crews continue to make progress on the handline, from Forest Service #079 north along the ridge between Anderson Creek and Smithy Creek to Anderson Mountain, additional resources use burn outs to help strengthen the handline. These burn outs removed fuel near the handlines, creating stronger fire breaks and reducing the main fires intensity, slowing and stopping the main fire.

The structure protection remains in place, improving containment lines, mopping up hot spots and monitor fire behavior and activity. 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:

Equipment and crews continue working from Sawlog road to Culvert Loop Road creating containment lines, looking for opportunities to go direct and prepare for backburns to contain this section of fire.

Hand crews and dozers continue to make good progress on the containment lines from Culvert Loop Road to Saw Log Creek. Crews will continue to look for opportunity to conduct burn out operations and go direct attack where they can do so safely. These burns are important to containing the fire and protecting structures.

Fire personnel continue to monitor the south end of the fire looking for hot spots and ensuring that they are out. In addition, they continue to patrol the corridor and scenic bi-way looking for areas of concern.

The structure protection group 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 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.

In the days ahead there will be smoke coming from interior pockets in the fire area. 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 is beginning to develop a 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 strong cold front is expected to move through the area, creating gusty and low relative humidity, creating critical fire weather conditions.

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.

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 creek @firenet .gov
Facebook:@ AlderCreekandTrailCreekFires

   

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 14 ,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

 

 

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

Crews continue to make good progress on handline from Forest Service #079 road north along the ridge between Anderson Creek and Smithy Creek to Anderson Mountain. Once completed, crews will use a burn out operation to secure the north side of the fire. Crews continue mopping up and putting out hotspots along the foothill’s road.

Crews continue to remove hazard trees along Highway 43 for the next few days. Use extreme caution and slow down when traveling in this area. Expect firefighters and equipment near roadways.

 

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Hand crews and dozers continue to build and improve containment lines from Culvert Loop Road to Saw Log Creek. Crews will continue to look for opportunity to conduct back burns and go direct attack where they can do so safely. These burns are important to containing the fire and protecting structures. Fire personnel continue to monitor the south end of the fire looking for hot spots and ensuring that they are out. In addition they continue to patrol the corridor and scenic bi-way looking for areas of concern.

The structure protection group 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 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.

In the days ahead there will be smoke coming from interior pockets in the fire area. 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 is beginning to develop a 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 high-pressure system builds in the region, winds will be terrain driven and light. As the day heats up, winds will increase, and wind gust are expected. A strong cold front is expected to move through the area Wednesday.

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are 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. Use extreme caution and slow down when traveling in this area. 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.

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.aldercreek@firenet.gov
Facebook: @ AlderCreek andTrailCreekFires

  

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 13,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

 

The Trail Creek Fire Open House is scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2021, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Gibbonville Community Center, Gibbonville, 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.

 

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

Construction continues on the handline from Forest Service 079 road north along the ridge between Anderson Creek and Smithy Creek to Anderson Mountain. Once completed, crews will use a burn out operation to secure the north side of the fire.

 

With favorable conditions yesterday, crews were able to conduct some burn out operations from Gory Creek to Nickel Back. Night shift crews continued the work through the night last night. This operation will help secure this section of the fire.

 

Crews will continue to remove hazard trees along Highway 43 for the next few days but is closed to public travel through Thursday. 

 

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Work continued on the northside of the fire, as hand crews and dozers create containment lines from Forest Service 062 road to Saw Log Creek. Additionally, crews were able to use a burnout operation to improve containment lines. Crews will continue to look for opportunity to conduct burn outs and go direct attack where they can do so safely. These burns are important to containing the fire and protecting structures.

 

The structure protection group 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 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.

 

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A weak cold front passing through last night may cause gusty winds. A stronger cold front will pass through on Wednesday has higher probability of stronger, gusty winds. Warm and dry conditions will continue, as nearly storm is predicted to have any precipitation with it.

 

SAFETY:

Highway 43 is open in the Alder Creek area and the Pioneer Scenic Byway to through traffic. Watch for increased traffic, school has started in the local communities and hunting season is ongoing. Use extreme caution and slow down when traveling in the fire area. Expect firefighters and equipment near roadways.

 

Montana Department of Transportation has scheduled Highway 43 starting at Wisdom, Montana, to replace bridges over Trail Creek from 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 is 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/
Trail Creek:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7634/
Sand Lake:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/
Email: 2021.a l d e creek @firenet .gov
Facebook:   @ A l d e r Creek AndTrailCreek Fir e s

   

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 12 ,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

 

The Trail Creek Fire Open House is scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2021, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Gibbonville Community Center, Gibbonville, 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.

 

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

Construction continues the handline from Forest Service 079 road north along the ridge between Anderson Creek and Smithy Creek to Anderson Mountain. Once completed, crews will use a burn out operation to secure the north side of the fire. In additions, crews will continue to mop up and improve containment lines along Forest Service Road 079 east towards 3 Mile Creek. The structure protection group remains in place and are removing vegetation and debris to decrease fuel load. This is an important tactic to provided structure protection.

Crews will continue to remove hazard trees along Highway 43 for the next few days. Use extreme caution and slow down when traveling in this area. Expect firefighters and equipment near roadways.

 

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Hand line construction was completed yesterday, tying Forest Service 039 road to the fires edge. Crews will look for opportunities to use firing operations to secure the line.

On the north side of the fire, crews will continue to work along side dozers to create containment lines from Forest Service 062 road to Saw Log Creek. This will take several operational shifts to complete but once it is done, crews will look to use a back burn to secure this section of the fire.

The structure protection group 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 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.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Cooler temperatures will remain with some gusty winds predicted. A dry cold front is expected to pass through the area Wednesday, which will likely bring unfavorable fire conditions, with high winds, higher temperatures, and low relative humidity.

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are 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. Use extreme caution and slow down when traveling in this area. 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 is 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 creek @firenet .gov
Facebook:   @ A l d e r Creek AndTrailCreek Fir e s

 ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 11 ,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

 

The Trail Creek Fire Open House is scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2021, 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.

 

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

Cooler weather conditions helped fire fighters today, reducing fire behavior and spread.

A small spot fire was contained near Anderson Creek. The spot was three to four acres in size. Crews were able to respond quickly and put containment line around it, tying it back into the main fire.

The burn out connecting the handline to the black was successful and crews will continue with the handline and finding areas to go direct on the fire.

Crews will be removing hazard trees along Highway 43 for the next few days. Use extreme caution and slow down when traveling in this area. Expect firefighters and equipment near roadways.

 

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

Additional resources are arriving and assisting personnel on the fire. Cooler conditions are expected today and through the weekend, giving fire fighters a much needed, break from the extreme conditions.

Crews and dozers will be going direct on the north side of the fire, working down to 039 road to the fires edge. Once complete, crews will use a back burn to secure the line.  In addition, crews will use direct attack in the Teddy Creek area as well.

The fire continues to slowly back down towards Bryant Creek. The structure protection group 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 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.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Storms are expected to come through the area today, with a chance of wetting rain. Wind gust are expected as the storms past through the area, but they are not expected to last.

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are 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. Use extreme caution and slow down when traveling in this area. Expect firefighters and equipment near roadways.

CLOSURES:

Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed. The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. May Creek Campground is 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:   @ AlderCreekAndTrailCreekFire s

 ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

SAND LAKE FIRES

September 10 ,2021 – 8:30 a. m.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

The fire burned actively again yesterday, with an extended Red Flag Warning. Crews connect the handline to the black, and then were able to do a back burn to secure the Gibbisonville Road. Additional crews will be assigned to the area tomorrow, continuing the handline, and going direct on the fire.

The fire made a good push yesterday towards Gory Ridge, but engine crews and aircraft responded quickly and kept spot fires from crossing the containment lines. Crews will continue to improve containment lines, mop up hot spots and monitor.

Cooler temperatures and calmer winds are predicted the next few days, which will provide fire fighters with a much needs break from extreme conditions and allow them to improve and create containment lines. The structure protection group remains in place securing the line near structures and monitoring.

 

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

The Alder Creek and Christensen fires have merged and will now be reported as the Alder Creek Fire. Additional resources are expected to arrive over the next several days.  Cooler conditions are expected today and through the weekend, giving fire fighters a much needed, break from the extreme conditions.

Late last night, a section of the fire crossed containment lines, burning actively, despite the late hour. Hand crews and dozers worked together to create containment lines around the spot and mop up hot spots. Crews will continue to work this area through out the day today.

Fire activity on the north side of the fire has reduced and crews are evaluating areas to direct attack on the fire. The structure protection group remains in place near Alder Creek, monitoring and evaluating structures.

 

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.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Cooler and calmer weather is predicted for the next few days, with a chance of wetting rains tomorrow and Saturday. Winds will vary with a chance of some higher wind gusts near the fire area.

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are open to through traffic. Watch for increased traffic, 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 is 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 .govFacebook:   @ A l d e r Creek AndTrailCreek Fir e s 

   

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

 SAND LAKE FIRES

 September 8, 2021 – 8:30 a. m.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

A Red Flag Warning is expected today. Extreme fire behavior with large group tree torching and long-range spotting is expected. Winds are predicted to be 30+ mph along with record high temperatures and low humidity will create difficult conditions for firefighters.

Crews continued to improve containment lines yesterday, in preparations of todays weather event. Crews along with heavy air tankers used direct attack methods to combat the blaze, holding the fire near Gibbonsville road. Log hauling operations continued on the northwest side of the fire as well as the relocation of interior log decks.

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

The Alder Creek and Christensen fires have merged and will now be reported as the Alder Creek Fire. Additional resources have been ordered.

Like the Trail Creek fire, a Red Flag Warning is expected today. This will create difficult conditions for firefighters and aircraft. Additional surge resources have been brought in

to support the operations for the weather event.

Ground crews along with support from bucket drops continue to create and improve containment lines along the southeast side of the fire. While most of the heat remains interior, heat and activity increase to the western side of the fire, near Highway 43.

The fire has made it up Bryant Creek Road, near the intersection at the Calvert Loop. Crews are working to secure the line along Bryant Creek road, focusing on keeping the fire south of the road and establish contingency lines.

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.

 

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Red Flag Warnings are expected on Wednesday. Extreme fire behavior with large group tree torching and long-range spotting greater than 1 mile are predicted. Winds will be 30+ mph from the southwest/west combined near record temps and low humidity’s are expected. Fire will continue to back towards Anderson Creek and Gibbonsville.

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are open to through traffic. Watch for increased traffic, 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 is 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 Li ne:   406 - 624 – 9452 ( 8 a . m . to 8 p . m . )

Alder Creek: inciweb. nwcg. gov / incide nt/ 7641

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

Christensen: inciweb. nwcg. gov / incide nt/ 7702

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

Email : 2021.a l d e r creek @fire ne t .gov

Facebook:   @ A l d e r Cr e e kAndTra i l Cre e k Fir e s

  

ALDER CREEK, TRAIL CREEK & SAND LAKE FIRES

September 7, 2021 – 8:30 a. m.

The Trail Creek Fire Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7, 2021, 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.

 

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

Weather conditions yesterday caused fire activity to increase. The fire made a push towards Gibbonsville area. Ground and air resources shifted to help create containment lines and improve fuel breaks. Additional resources have been ordered.

 

The fire continues to push along the ridgeline between Three Mile Creek and Smithy Creek. Fixed wing aircraft created a retardant line along the ridge to help reenforce the fuel break. Salix Creek and the area south of Highway 43 saw an increase in fire activity. Weather conditions are expected to improve today, but high winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity are expected to return Wednesday.

 

ALDER CREEK FIRE:

The Alder Creek and Christensen fires have merged and will now be reported as the Alder Creek Fire. Additional resources have been ordered.

 

The fire burned active yesterday, driven by high winds and dry conditions. Winds are expected to lighten today but return to critical levels Wednesday and through the rest of the week. Fire activity will moderate today, but weather conditions the rest of the week will create extreme fire behavior and fire growth is expected.

 

SAND LAKE FIRE:

An Infrared Mapping Flight happened over the fire area early this morning, giving fire managers a good idea of the size and most active sections of this incident. While the fire is more 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.

 

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

The fire remains active. The fire area has heavy dead and down pockets of fuel, creating areas of extreme heat. Fire growth is expected over the next several days due to weather and available fuel. Fire managers and crews will continue to monitor fire conditions.  

 

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are open to through traffic. Watch for increased traffic, 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 is 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 Li ne:   406 - 624 – 9452 ( 8 a .m . to 8p. m .)
Alder Creek: inciweb. nw cg. gov / incident/ 7641
Trail Creek: inciweb. nw cg. gov / incident/ 7634
Christensen: inciweb. nw cg. gov / incident/ 7702
Sand Lake:  inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7833/
Email : 2021.a l d e r cre e k @f i r e ne t .gov
Facebook:   @ A l d e r Cr e e k And Tr a i l Cr e e k Fir e s

 

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN, TRAIL CREEK &

 SAND LAKE FIRES

 September 6, 2021 – 8:30 a. m.

 

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for this afternoon for dry and windy conditions. This will cause fire activity to increase as the inversion lifts and the temperatures rise. Fire activity increased yesterday, with a small spot fire along Forest Service Road #808. The hose lay and sprinkler systems gave ground crews and helicopters the upper hand while responding to the spot. Crews will continue to create containment lines and mopping up hotspots.

 

The fire continues to push along the ridgeline between Three Mile Creek and Smithy Creek. Helicopters will continue to support ground crews with bucket drops. Salix Creek and the area south of Highway 43 saw an increase in fire activity. That is expected to continue today, although fire behavior is expected to remain moderate.  In addition, the fire activity in the Salix Creek and the West Fork of Ruby Creek areas will remain the same- slowly moving towards the south. Impact to values at risk is not expected.

 

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN FIRE:

Most of the heat and fire activity remains in the area between the Alder Creek fire and the Christensen fire where the fires recently grew together. Crews will continue to implement suppression repair and monitor the large fuels smoldering in the interior of the fire. Helicopters will support ground crews with bucket drops to cool areas with the most heat.

 

SAND LAKE FIRE:

An Infrared Mapping Flight happened over the fire area today, giving fire managers a good idea of the size and most active sections of this incident. While the fire is more established and active, grown is minimal, with moving slowly along the side of the mountain. Crews will continue to monitor the fire and evaluate values at risk.

 

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for the fire areas from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. today. Dry and windy conditions are expected to continue through Monday, allowing for increasing west winds with gust 15-25 mph in higher terrain. Conditions are expected to remain dry with some humidity recovery at night.

 

SAFETY:

Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are open to through traffic. Watch for increased traffic with the holiday weekend and hunting season.

 

CLOSURES:

Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed. The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. May Creek Campground is 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 Inf ormati on Li ne:   406 - 624 – 9452 ( 8 a . m . to 8 p . m . )

Al d er Creek: inciw e b. nw cg. gov / incid e nt/ 7641
 Trai l Creek: inciw e b. nw cg. gov / incid e nt/ 7634
 Chri s tens en: inciw e b. nw cg. gov / incid e nt/ 7702

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

Emai l : 2021.a l d e r cr e e k @f i r e ne t .gov

Faceb ook:   @ A l d e r Cr e e k A nd Tr a i l Cr e e k Fir e s

 ALDER CREEK, TRAIL CREEK, AND CHRISTENSEN FIRES 
 September 5, 2021 - 9: 30 a. m.

Northern Rockies Team #5 successfully transitioned with Northern Rockies Team #6 yesterday, with Northern Rockies Team #6 Incident Commander Jay Winfield Assuming

control at 6 a.m. this morning.  We would like to express our thanks for all the hard work Northern Rockies Team #5 put into this incident.

TRAIL CREEK FIRE:

A Red Flag warning has been issued over the fire area for high southwest winds and low relative humidity. This will cause fire activity to increase as the inversion lifts and the temperatures rise. Fire activity will remain active along the ridgeline between Three Mile Creek and Smithy Creek. Helicopters will continue to support ground crews with bucket drops. The hose lay and sprinkler system remains in place along Forest Service Road #808 in the Three Mile Creek and crews are pre-wetting vegetation in the area. Crews continue to implement the suppression repair plan, in consultation with agency resource advisors.

 

Saylor Creek and the area south of Highway 43 saw an increase in fire activity. That is expected to continue today, although fire behavior is expected to remain moderate.  In addition, the fire activity in the Salix Creek and Rabbit Creek areas will remain the same- slowly moving towards the south. Impact to values at risk is not expected

ALDER CREEK/CHRISTENSEN FIRE:

A majority of the heat and fire activity is located in the area between the Alder Creek fire and the Christensen fire. Fire managers can confirm that the two fires have connected between Turtle Rock and Bryant Creek. The fire will remain most active in the area between the two, and it is expected that they will full connect. Crews continue to implement suppression repair and monitor the large fuels smoldering in the interior of the fire. Resources are also assisting with operations on the Christensen fire.

SANDLAKE FIRE:

The team will continue to monitor fire activity on the Sandlake fire and updates will be posted as more information becomes available.

 

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A Red Flag Warning has been issued over the fire area today for high winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures. The high-pressure ridge building over the area will flatten out on Sunday allowing for increasing westerly winds with gust in higher terrain potentially up to 25 mph. Conditions will be very dry with poor overnight relative humidity recoveries each day. These conditions will cause the fires to become more activate and fire growth is expected.

SAFETY:
Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway are open to through traffic. Watch for increased traffic with the holiday weekend and hunting season.

CLOSURES:
Portions of the Continental Divide Trail remain closed. The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. May Creek Campground is 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.