Location: 25 miles east of Bridger, Montana      

Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 3 – Mike Almas, Incident Commander

Size: 4,087 acres                            Containment: 72%                Personnel: 263

Overview: The Crooked Creek Fire is located near the southern border of the Crow Indian Reservation in the Pryor Mountains on the Custer Gallatin National Forest.  Mike Almas’ Type 2 Incident Management Team assumed command of the incident today at 6:00 a.m.

Yesterday, firefighters patrolled and monitored for hot spots along the northwest side of the fire, where the central portion of the line is not contained. Some increase in fire activity occurred as a result of the burnout operation yesterday.  A spot fire was located outside of the line and was contained.  Fire crews worked to further secure the northeastern fire edge after burnout operations. The remaining fire line was patrolled and mopped up, with firefighters looking for hot spots and pockets of heat.

Today, firefighters will continue to patrol in most locations, mopping up hot spots or pockets of heat along the fire line as needed. Crews using heavy equipment will continue to work on a shaded fuel break on the northeastern edge of the fire area.

Pre-Evacuation Warning: The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre-evacuation warning notice for twenty-five primary residences in the Sage Creek area.

Closures: All Custer Gallatin National Forest lands northeast of Forest Road 2308, and north of a line from Crooked Creek east to the Forest boundary, just north of the Big Ice Cave picnic area is closed under the current Forest Closure Order and is inaccessible. The Big Ice Cave picnic area is closed. All BLM lands in the north Pryor Mountains within Township 8 South, Range 28 East and the entirety of Sykes Ridge Road in Carbon County, Montana are also under a BLM Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use.

Weather and Fuel Conditions: High pressure with hot, dry weather will continue.  Temperatures will be in the upper 90s in the valley and significantly above average at all elevations by Friday. As these hot and dry conditions continue to build, live fuels are beginning to contribute to fire spread.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Crooked Creek Fire (FDC 1/7699) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

 Forest Order #01-11-82-21-07 has been issued, effective June 30, 2021.  This order reduces the size of the closure area.  Links to the order and map are found below.

There will be a Community Meeting to discuss the Robertson Draw Fire and the Crooked Creek fire on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.  It will be held at the Roosevelt Center located at 519 Broadway Avenue South, in Red Lodge, MT.

If you are not able to attend this meeting in person, it will be livestreamed on the Custer Gallatin National Forest's Facebook page. 

Please plan on joining us as we introduce you to the new incident management team and share some important fire information.  See you there!!!

Crooked Creek Fire
Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 8:00AM

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7542/
Email: 2021.crookedcreek@firenet.govFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/
Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontana/

Location: 25 miles east of Bridger, Montana
Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander

Size: 4,086 acres       Containment: 72%       Personnel: 263

Overview: The Crooked Creek Fire is located near the southern border of the Crow Indian Reservation in the Pryor Mountains on the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Current Status: Crews continued to patrol and monitor containment lines on several areas around the fire perimeter. The heavy equipment task force continues to work on a shaded fuel break along the Sage Creek Road system. Along the northeast and north central sides of the fire crews conducted burnout operations to secure the fire’s edge. Firefighters continued to monitor for any threat to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range southeast of the fire. The fire is not currently impacting the wild horse herd.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor for hot spots along the containment lines. The heavy equipment task force will continue working on the shaded fuel break along the north central side through timber stands. On the northeast and north central sides of the fire crews will finish up the burnout work with some hand ignition and then work to mop up the fire’s edge.Today is a transition day with Northern Rockies Team 3 as they shadow the outgoing Team 4 and take command of the fire on Wednesday morning. Team 4 would like to thank everyone in Belfry, Bridger, the Pryor Mountains, and surrounding communities for their assistance on this fire.

Pre-Evacuation Warning: The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre-evacuation warning notice for twenty-five primary residences in the Sage Creek area.

Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest lands northeast of Forest Road 2308 and east of Forest Road 2085 are under a Forest Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use. All BLM lands in the north Pryor Mountains within Township 8 South, Range 28 East and the entirety of Sykes Ridge Road in Carbon County, Montana are also under a BLM Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Crooked Creek Fire (FDC 1/7699) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Primary and Cooperating Agencies: USFS, BLM, BIA-Crow Agency, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office, NPS-Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Crooked Creek Fire
Monday, June 28, 2021 at 8:00AM

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7542/
Email: 2021.crookedcreek@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/
Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559
https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontana/

Location: 25 miles east of Bridger, Montana
Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander

Size: 3,924 acres           Containment: 72%           Personnel: 262

Overview: The Crooked Creek Fire is located near the southern border of the Crow Indian Reservation in the Pryor Mountains on the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Current Status: Containment was increased to 72% as several additional sections of fire line were secured. Crews continued to patrol and monitor the south side and parts of the north side. The heavy equipment task force made progress on the shaded fuel break working through the middle of the northern side of the fire. Along the east side crews continued to prepare indirect hand line in preparation for a small burnout operation to secure the edge. Firefighters continued to monitor for any threat to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range southeast of the fire. The fire is not currently impacting the wild horse herd.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor for hot spots on the south side of the fire. The heavy equipment task force will continue working on the shaded fuel break along the north central side through timber stands. On the east side if weather conditions allow, crews will be conducting a small burnout operation to secure the edge of the fire. The burnout operation will put some noticeable smoke in the air for anyone near the Pryor Mountains. Firefighters will continue to patrol in several locations and will continue to mop up hot spots or pockets of heat along the fire line as needed.

Pre-Evacuation Warning: The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre-evacuation warning notice for twenty-five primary residences in the Sage Creek area.

Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest lands northeast of Forest Road 2308 and east of Forest Road 2085 are under a Forest Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use. All BLM lands in the north Pryor Mountains within Township 8 South, Range 28 East and the entirety of Sykes Ridge Road in Carbon County, Montana are also under a BLM Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Crooked Creek Fire (FDC 1/7699) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Primary and Cooperating Agencies: USFS, BLM, BIA-Crow Agency, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office, NPS-Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Crooked Creek Fire
Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 8:00AM

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7542/
Email: 2021.crookedcreek@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/
Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559
https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontana/

Location: 25 miles east of Bridger, Montana
Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander
 
Size: 3,922 acres Containment: 32% Personnel: 248

Overview: The Crooked Creek Fire is located near the southern border of the Crow Indian Reservation in the Pryor Mountains on the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
 
Current Status: Yesterday, firefighters continued to patrol and monitor the south side of the fire along containment lines. On the north side the heavy equipment task force continued to work on a shaded fuel break through timbered areas near the Sage Creek Road. Around the northeast corner and along the east side of the fire crews continued construction of a combination of direct and indirect hand lines where safe to do so. Along the northeast side crews are preparing indirect line in anticipation of potential small burnout operation. Firefighters continued to monitor for any threat to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range southeast of the fire. The fire is not currently impacting the wild horse herd.
 
Planned Actions: Today, crews will continue to patrol and monitor for hot spots on the south side of the fire. The heavy equipment task force which consists of a dozer, feller buncher, and skidder will continue working on the shaded fuel break along the north central side through timber stands. On the east side crews will continue to construct direct and indirect line moving both from both the south and north. If weather conditions allow, a burnout operation will be done to secure the eastern fire line. Burnout operations will put some noticeable smoke in the air. Firefighters will be staffing in several locations and will continue to mop up hot spots or pockets of heat along the fire line.
 
Pre-Evacuation Warning: The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre-evacuation warning notice for twenty-five primary residences in the Sage Creek area.
 
Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest lands northeast of Forest Road 2308 and east of Forest Road 2085 are under a Forest Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use. All BLM lands in the north Pryor Mountains within Township 8 South, Range 28 East and the entirety of Sykes Ridge Road in Carbon County, Montana are also under a BLM Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Crooked Creek Fire (FDC 1/7699) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Primary and Cooperating Agencies: USFS, BLM, BIA-Crow Agency, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office, NPS-Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Crooked Creek FireFriday, June 25, 2021 at 8:00PM
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7542/
Email: 2021.crookedcreek@firenet.govFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/
Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontana/
Location: 25 miles east of Bridger, MontanaIncident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander
Size: 3,922 acres Containment: 32% Personnel: 246
Overview: The Crooked Creek Fire is located near the southern border of the Crow Indian Reservation in the Pryor Mountains on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Fire Information is combined for both the Robertson Draw Fire and Crooked Creek Fire.
Current Status: Firefighters continued to patrol and monitor the south side of the fire along containment lines. On the north side the heavy equipment task force continued to work on a shaded fuel break through timbered areas near the Sage Creek Road. Around the northeast corner and along the east side of the fire crews continued construction of a combination of direct and indirect hand lines where safe to do so. There are a couple of locations where indirect line has been built in anticipation of potential small burnout operations that might be done in a couple of days to secure the fire’s edge. Firefighters continued to monitor for any threat to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range southeast of the fire. The fire is not currently impacting the wild horse herd. The south side of the fire did receive some rain today as scattered thunderstorms moved through the fire area.
Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor for hot spots on the south side of the fire. The heavy equipment task force which consists of a dozer, feller buncher, and skidder will continue working on the shaded fuel break along the north side in timber stands. On the east side crews will continue to construct direct and indirect line moving both from both the south and north. Firefighters will be staffing in several locations and will continue to mop up hot spots or pockets of heat along the fire line.
Pre-Evacuation Warning: The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre-evacuation warning notice for twenty-five primary residences in the Sage Creek area.
Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest lands northeast of Forest Road 2308 and east of Forest Road 2085 are under a Forest Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use. All BLM lands in the north Pryor Mountains within Township 8 South, Range 28 East and the entirety of Sykes Ridge Road in Carbon County, Montana are also under a BLM Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Crooked Creek Fire (FDC 1/7699) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Primary and Cooperating Agencies: USFS, BLM, BIA-Crow Agency, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office, NPS-Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Crooked Creek Fire Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 8:00PM

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7542/
Email: 2021.crookedcreek@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/
Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559
https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontana/

Location: 25 miles east of Bridger, Montana
Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander

Size: 5,400 acres       Containment: 25%       Personnel: 236

Overview: The Crooked Creek Fire is located near the southern border of the Crow Indian Reservation in the Pryor Mountains on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Fire Information is combined for both the Robertson Draw Fire and Crooked Creek Fire.

Current Status: Today, crews patrolled and monitored the south side of the fire along containment lines. On the north side the heavy equipment task force worked to build a shaded fuel break through several stands of timber along the Sage Creek Road in anticipation of a potential small burnout operation that might be done in a couple of days to secure the fire’s edge. A combination of direct and indirect hand line has been constructed around the northeast corner of the fire and continues along the east side. Crews are also working their way north constructing fire line along the east side. Firefighters continued to monitor for any threat to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range southeast of the fire. The fire is not currently impacting the wild horse herd.

Planned Actions: The heavy equipment task force which consists of a dozer, feller buncher, and skidder will continue working on a shaded fuel break along the road system on the north side of the fire where needed in timber stands. On the east side crews will continue to construct direct and indirect line moving both from both the south and north. As line is built crews will work to mop up hot spots or pockets of heat. Along the south side firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up hot spots along the containment line.

Pre-Evacuation Warning: The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre-evacuation warning notice for twenty-five primary residences in the Sage Creek area.

Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest lands northeast of Forest Road 2308 and east of Forest Road 2085 are under a Forest Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use. All BLM lands in the north Pryor Mountains within Township 8 South, Range 28 East and the entirety of Sykes Ridge Road in Carbon County, Montana are also under a BLM Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Crooked Creek Fire (FDC 1/7699) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Primary and Cooperating Agencies: USFS, BLM, BIA-Crow Agency, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office, NPS-Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

 There will be a Robertson Draw Fire & Crooked Creek Fire Community Meeting on June 24, 2021 at 7 PM. Come join us in person at the Roosevelt Center on 17th & Broadway in Red Lodge, Montana, or watch our Facebook Live stream @CusterGallatinNationalForest. The meeting will be recorded and saved on the Custer Gallatin National Forest Facebook page.

 
Crooked Creek FireWednesday, June 23, 2021 at 8:00PM
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7542/ Email: 2021.crookedcreek@firenet.govFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/ Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontana/
Location: 25 miles east of Bridger, Montana
Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander
Size: 5,400 acres Containment: 25% Personnel: 237
A Robertson Draw/Crooked Creek Fires Community Meeting with virtual option is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7:00 P.M. at the Roosevelt Center, 17th Street and Broadway in Red Lodge or online at Facebook page @CusterGallatinNationalForestOverview: The Crooked Creek Fire is located near the southern border of the Crow Indian Reservation in the Pryor Mountains on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Fire Information is combined for both the Robertson Draw Fire and Crooked Creek Fire.
Current Status: Today, fire crews continued to patrol and monitor the south side of the fire where some containment line was reported today. On the west side crews finished constructing a section of hand line which connects to the Sage Creek Road. Along the road the heavy equipment task force started working to open a shaded fuel break through areas of timber. A combination of direct and indirect hand line has been constructed around the northeast corner and moving in both directions along the east side. Direct line is working alongside the fire’s edge and indirect line is a containment line constructed by hand or equipment to stop fire spread and located out ahead of the fire activity. Firefighters continued to monitor for any threat to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range southeast of the fire. The fire is not currently impacting the wild horse herd.
Planned Actions: The heavy equipment task force which consists of a dozer, feller buncher, and skidder will work on a shaded fuel break along the north side of the fire on the road system where it is needed. On the east side crews will continue to construct direct and indirect line moving both south and north. Along the south side a crew will continue to patrol and mop up hot spots. Half of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) mapping flight was completed today and will be finished tomorrow if the weather allows.
Pre-Evacuation Warning: The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre-evacuation warning notice for twenty-five primary residences in the Sage Creek area.
Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest lands northeast of Forest Road 2308 and east of Forest Road 2085 are under a Forest Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use. All BLM lands in the north Pryor Mountains within Township 8 South, Range 28 East and the entirety of Sykes Ridge Road in Carbon County, Montana are also under a BLM Closure Order and temporarily closed to public use.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Crooked Creek Fire (FDC 1/7699) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Primary and Cooperating Agencies: USFS, BLM, BIA-Crow Agency, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office, NPS-Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area