Robertson Draw Fire
Wildfire Fact Sheet 
Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 7:00PM

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7537/                         
Email: RobertsonDrawFire@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/                  
Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559
https://www.facebook.com/redlodgefire/
THIS WILL BE THE FINAL EVENING FACT SHEET

Morning Fact Sheets will continue and recap the previous 24 hours. An evening social media post will provide updates from the day. If fire activity increases and the need for an Evening Fact Sheet returns, it will be restarted.

Location: 7 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana
Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander

Size:      27,556 acres                               Containment: 0%                      Personnel: 296

Current Status: Today’s warm temps, winds, and low humidity levels tested parts of the fire but as of this printing the fire continued to be most active in the upper reaches of the Grove Creek and Line Creek drainages similar to previous days where it was actively burning in mid-slope timber with short upslope runs and group torching.On the east side fire crews continued mop up efforts in the sage brush and grass. Mop up involves searching for areas or pockets of heat and cooling those areas with water or soil to secure the edge of the fire. On the south side firefighters tied in an indirect line to an old fire scar and used the fixed wing CL-415 water scooper aircraft to make water drops and keep the fire in check. On the northwest side firefighters started working on some direct and indirect fire line. The fire crew that was remote camping on the west central side of the fire was brought back and assigned to a different part of the fire due to the predicted windy weather today and colder weather at high elevation tonight and tomorrow. The Structure Protection Group continued assessments and their work on a structure protection plan for structures northwest of the fire.

Planned Actions: A Red Flag Warning is still in effect until 9 pm for the fire area so fire crews will continue to monitor the fire activity in relation to the weather conditions. The night shift crews will work one more overnight shift this evening and continue to patrol and mop up as needed around structures on the eastern side of the fire. Tomorrow the night shift will transition to an evening swing shift and work on evening and late evening patrol and mop up.Evacuations: Evacuation Warnings are still in effect for the areas of North and South Grove Creek, Gold Creek, Ruby Creek, and Robertson Draw east to Highway 72. All area residents are recommended to have a household evacuation plan ready. Please remain vigilant and be aware of the situation and your surroundings. The North and South Grove Creek Road, Gold Creek Road, Ruby Creek Road, Meeteetse Trail, and Robertson Draw Road that are in Evacuation Warning status remain closed to general public use.
Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest System lands south of Point of Rocks in the Rock Creek drainage are closed under a Forest Closure Order. This includes trailheads, campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. This is in addition to the Closure Area encompassing the Line Creek Plateau. The Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212) remains open.

A Closure Order is also in effect on all Bureau of Land Management lands lying West of State Highway 72, South of State Highway 308, and East of US Highway 212 in Carbon County.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): The TFR in place for air space over the Robertson Draw Fire (FDC 1/6286) will lesson impacts to local aviation operators. 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, DNRC, BLM, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, and RoadDepartment, Red Lodge Fire District, and Belfry Fire District

Robertson Draw Fire          Wildfire Fact Sheet                    Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 8:00AM
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7537/                Email: RobertsonDrawFire@gmail.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/                       Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559   https://www.facebook.com/redlodgefire/ 

Location: 7 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana

Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander

Size:      27,556 acres                             

Containment: 0%                    

Personnel: 276 

Current Status: Yesterday, fire crews had another good day of making progress on several parts of the fire. On the east side in the sage brush and grass, fire crews and equipment continued to mop up along the fire’s edge. Mop up involves searching for areas or pockets of heat and cooling those areas with water or soil to secure the edge of the fire. On the south side firefighters continued work tying an indirect line into an old fire scar. Aircraft water drops with helicopter buckets and two CL415 fixed wing water scoopers were utilized to keep the fire in check. On the northwest side firefighters continued to scout for indirect line locations. A Division Supervisor and 10-person Wildland Fire Module are spike camping on the west central side of the fire and scouted indirect line locations. The Structure Protection Group continued their work on assessments and developing a structure protection plan for structures northwest of the fire.Most of the active fire yesterday continued to be in the upper reaches of the Grove Creek and Line Creek drainages where it was actively burning in mid-slope timber with short upslope runs and group torching.

Planned Actions: Crews will continue to patrol and mop up along the east side of the fire and will grid areas as needed. Gridding involves working across the fire area in an organized manner to make sure that pockets of heat are discovered and cooled down, so they don’t flare up with flames or embers later in dry, windy conditions. On the south side firefighters will finish their work on the indirect line and prepare the line for the fire as it moves in that direction. On the northwest side crews will move forward with plans for indirect hand line and some dozer line construction. Structure protection will keep moving through their assessments of private structures to the northwest and west of the fire and develop a plan to protect structures should there be a need to do so. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 12 noon until 9 pm for the fire area so fire managers will continually be monitoring the fire activity in relation to the weather conditions.

Evacuations: Evacuation Warnings are still in effect for the areas of North and South Grove Creek, Gold Creek, Ruby Creek, and Robertson Draw east to Highway 72. All area residents are recommended to have a household evacuation plan ready. Please remain vigilant and be aware of the situation and your surroundings. The North and South Grove Creek Road, Gold Creek Road, Ruby Creek Road, Meeteetse Trail, and Robertson Draw Road that are in Evacuation Warning status remain closed to general public use.  

Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest System lands south of Point of Rocks in the Rock Creek drainage are closed under a Forest Closure Order. This includes trailheads, campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. This is in addition to the Closure Area encompassing the Line Creek Plateau. The Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212) remains open. A Closure Order is also in effect on all Bureau of Land Management lands lying West of State Highway 72, South of State Highway 308, and East of US Highway 212 in Carbon County.  

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): The TFR in place for air space over the Robertson Draw Fire (FDC 1/6286) was slightly adjusted from the previous TFR and will lesson impacts to local aviation operators. 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, DNRC, BLM, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, and Road Department, Red Lodge Fire District, and Belfry Fire District

Robertson Draw Fire          Wildfire Fact Sheet                    Friday, June 18, 2021 at 6:00PM
 
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7537/                Email: RobertsonDrawFire@gmail.com  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/            Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559          
 
Location: 7 miles south of Red Lodge, MontanaIncident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander

Size:      24,470 acres                            

Containment: 0%                   

Personnel: 276

Current Status: Firefighters continued to make progress on several areas around the fire. On the eastern parts of the fire in the sage and grass, fire crews and equipment continued to mop up along the fire’s edge. Mop up involves searching for areas or pockets of heat and cooling those areas with water or soil to secure the edge of the fire. On the south side firefighters continued working to tie an indirect line into an old fire scar and cold burned area. Aircraft water drops with helicopter buckets and the CL415 fixed wing water scoopers were utilized to keep the fire in check as line construction continued on the south side. On the northwest side some mop up work was able to be done in some areas while in other areas firefighters scouted for some indirect line locations that will provide opportunities for success in fire suppression. A Division Supervisor and 10-person Wildland Fire Module are spike camping on the west side of the fire and continued to scout for indirect or direct fire line opportunities. The Structure Protection Group continued their work on assessments and structure protection plans in the areas with homes and cabins located northwest of the fire area. The west central portion of the fire south of Mt. Maurice is very difficult to access or to safely go direct on the fire due to the rugged ridge with rock and timber on steep slopes. Similar to yesterday a majority of fire activity yesterday was in the upper reaches of the Grove Creek and Line Creek drainages where it was actively burning in mid-slope timber with short upslope runs, group torching, and spotting.

Planned Actions: All of the day shift engines and crews will continue working in their assigned locations this afternoon and return to Base Camp later in the evening. The night shift engines will begin their shift again this evening and will continue to patrol and mop up as needed in the areas on the eastern side of the fire and around private properties. 

Evacuations: Evacuation Warnings are still in effect for the areas of North and South Grove Creek, Gold Creek, Ruby Creek, and Robertson Draw east to Highway 72. All area residents are recommended to have a household evacuation plan ready. Please remain vigilant and be aware of the situation and your surroundings. The North and South Grove Creek Road, Gold Creek Road, Ruby Creek Road, Meeteetse Trail, and Robertson Draw Road that are in Evacuation Warning status remain closed to general public use.  

Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest System lands south of Point of Rocks in the Rock Creek drainage are closed under a Forest Closure Order. This includes trailheads, campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. This is in addition to the Closure Area encompassing the Line Creek Plateau. The Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212) remains open. A Closure Order is also in effect on all Bureau of Land Management lands lying West of State Highway 72, South of State Highway 308, and East of US Highway 212 in Carbon County.  

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): The TFR in place for air space over the Robertson Draw Fire (FDC 1/6268) was slightly adjusted from the previous TFR and will lesson impacts to local aviation operators. 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, DNRC, BLM, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, and Road Department, Red Lodge Fire District, and Belfry Fire District

 Robertson Draw Fire  Wildfire Fact Sheet

  Friday, June 18, 2021 at 8:00AM

 Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7537/                 Email: RobertsonDrawFire@gmail.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/             Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559        https://www.facebook.com/redlodgefire/                                                  Location: 7 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander
Size:      24,470 acres                             Containment: 0%                     Personnel: 214
Current Status: Yesterday, firefighters made good progress on several areas on the fire. On the southeast, eastern, and northeast sides of the fire crews continued to mop up along the fire’s edge and worked with residents as they reentered their properties. Firefighters walked the fire’s edge on the eastern and northeastern sides looking for any pockets of heat and extinguishing them when found. On the south side firefighters tied indirect line into an old fire scar and worked on indirect line construction. On the north side, fire crews continued to work on securing the fire perimeter south of Bear Creek. On the northwest and west sides firefighters scouted for possible indirect line locations that will provide opportunities for success in fire suppression. Air tankers and Helicopters continued to make numerous water, retardant, and bucket drops. Night shift operations with five engines patrolled the eastern areas of the fire mopping up as needed near structures. A majority of fire activity yesterday was in the upper reaches of the Grove Creek and Line Creek drainages where it was actively burning in mid-slope timber with short upslope runs, group torching, and spotting.

Planned Actions: On the south side fire crews will continue to work on indirect line and utilize aircraft as necessary. On the eastern and northeastern sides of the fire crews will continue to patrol and mop up any areas of heat or smoke along the fire line. On the northwest side firefighters will continue to plan indirect line and begin start some of that work. The structure protection group will continue to assess structures and develop a structure protection plan which includes flagging access roads as well as numbering structures. On the west side of the fire the crew will be scouting for opportunities to work on indirect or direct fire line based on the fire activity at the head of the Line Creek drainage.

Evacuations: Evacuation Orders have been lifted as of 6:00 PM on June 17, 2021, for the areas of North and South Grove Creek, Gold Creek, Ruby Creek, and Robertson Draw east to Highway 72. These areas will remain in evacuation warning status, but residents can return to their homes. All area residents are recommended to have a household evacuation plan ready. Please remain vigilant and be aware of the situation and your surroundings.

The North and South Grove Creek Road, Gold Creek Road, Ruby Creek Road, Meeteetse Trail, and Robertson Draw Road that are in Evacuation Warning status remain closed to general public use.

 

Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest System lands south of Point of Rocks in the Rock Creek drainage are closed under a Forest Closure Order. This includes trailheads, campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. The areas within the Forest Closure Order remain in evacuation and include the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. This is in addition to the Closure Area encompassing the Line Creek Plateau. The Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212) remains open. In addition, there is a Closure Order on all Bureau of Land Management lands lying West of State Highway 72, South of State Highway 308, and East of US Highway 212 in Carbon County.

  Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): The current TFR in place for air space over the Robertson Draw Fire (FDC 1/3808) will lesson impacts to local aviation operators. 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, DNRC, BLM, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, and Road Department, Red Lodge Fire District, and Belfry Fire District

Current Status: Today, fire resources had great success in all divisions of the fire. On the south end of the fire, crews tied indirect line into an old fire scar, and continued to patrol and work on hot spots near the fire perimeter. Fire crews worked on securing around structures and the fire perimeter on the east side of the fire. On the north end, fire crews continue to work on securing the fire perimeter south of Bear Creek. On the northwest side fire crews scouted looking at indirect line placement that will give them opportunities for success. There was some backing fire in the area, but not threatening structures. Fire resources are working up a plan on the west end to use an existing trail and natural barriers to create indirect line and take advantage of the possible moisture that could come into the area over the weekend. This area had the most fire activity today. Aircraft were busy today, running heavy air tankers and helicopter bucket drops throughout the day.The majority of fire activity was in the Grove Creek and Line Creek drainages actively burning midslope timber with short upslope runs, group torching, and spotting. Pockets of dead fuels in the sagebrush and grasses out in the flats are smoldering and holding the fire.

Planned Actions: There is a night shift again tonight with five engines that will patrol and mop-up for pockets of heat around structures.

Evacuations: Evacuation Orders have been lifted as of 6:00 PM on June 17, 2021, for the areas of North and South Grove Creek, Gold Creek, Ruby Creek, and Robertson Draw east to Highway 72. These areas will remain in evacuation warning status, but residents can return to their homes. All area residents are recommended to have a household evacuation plan ready. Please remain vigilant and be aware of the situation and your surroundings.

The North and South Grove Creek Road, Gold Creek Road, Ruby Creek Road, Meeteetse Trail, and Robertson Draw Road that are in Evacuation Warning status remain closed to general public use.

Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest System lands south of Point of Rocks in the Rock Creek drainage are closed under a Forest Closure Order. This includes trailheads, campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. The areas within the Forest Closure Order remain in evacuation and include the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. This is in addition to the Closure Area encompassing the Line Creek Plateau. The Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212) remains open.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): The current TFR in place for air space over the Robertson Draw Fire (FDC 1/3808) will lesson impacts to local aviation operators. 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, DNRC, BLM, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, DES, and Road Department, Red Lodge Fire District, and Belfry Fire District

Additional Robertson Draw Fire Evacuation Orders Lifted

Red Lodge, MT (June 17, 2021 8 p.m.) The Evacuation Orders for North and South Grove Creek, Gold Creek, Ruby Creek and Robertson Draw east to Highway 72 have been lifted for property owners. An Evacuation Warning remains in effect for these areas. The roads within this Evacuation Warning area remain closed to general public use. We encourage residents and visitors to be vigilant and be aware of the situation and your surroundings.
The USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek remain evacuated under the Forest Closure Order. 
All Custer-Gallatin National Forest Service lands south of Point of Rocks in the Rock Creek drainage are closed. This includes trailheads, campgrounds, dispersed camping areas and the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. This is in addition to the closure area encompassing the Line Creek Plateau. The Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212) is still open.

 Robertson Draw Fire  Wildfire Fact Sheet

 Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 8:00AM

 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7537/                 Email: RobertsonDrawFire@gmail.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custergallatin/             Public Information Phone: (406) 290-3559 https://www.facebook.com/redlodgefire/                                                  Location: 10 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana                                                      Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Brian Jenkins – Incident Commander Size:      24,273 acres                             Containment: 0%                     Personnel: 162 Current Status: Yesterday, moderated weather conditions allowed fire crews to work on the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern sides of the fire. Crews and equipment worked to tie in dozer lines to burned areas that had cooled down in the rangeland grass areas. Air tanker water and retardant drops were conducted along the northwest side of Mt. Maurice to check fire spread. Aircraft were also used on the south side to check fire spread. The fire remained active along portions of the northern edge and in the timbered areas south of Mt. Maurice. Additional firefighting crews and equipment arrived and Operations personnel from the incoming team worked closely with the local firefighters to increase their situational awareness and start developing firefighting plans for the next several days. At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16 the Northern Rockies Team 4 assumed command of the fire. A high-pressure weather system is now over the region which will bring warm and dry conditions. Temperatures will be in the 69 to 79 degrees and humidity levels 20-25%. Winds will be north at 8 to 14 mph becoming erratic in the afternoon due to ridgetop winds from the west to southwest. Planned Actions: An infrared flight early this morning mapped the fire size at 24,273 acres. Fire crews will work along the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern sides of the fire to continue to tie in fire lines where needed, mop up pockets of heat and any areas of fire located around private structures. On the south side of the fire crews will continue to look for opportunities to build fire line. On the northwest side of the fire near Mt. Maurice the Division Supervisor and operations personnel will begin scouting the fire area and develop a strategy for suppression. A structure protection group has been organized and will be working on structure assessments and planning. Additional fire crews have been ordered and will be arriving. Aerial resources will continue to drop water or retardant as needed based on fire activity.

 

Evacuations: Evacuation Orders are in effect for the areas of North and South Grove Creek, Gold Creek, Ruby Creek, and Robertson Draw east to Highway 72. Evacuations as a part of the Forest Closure Order include the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. If residents in areas still under evacuation orders need to return to their homes briefly, they may contact the Sheriff’s Office to make arrangement for a Deputy Sheriff escort.

 

All area residents are recommended to have a household evacuation plan ready. Please remain vigilant and be aware of the situation and your surroundings.

 

Closures: All the Custer Gallatin National Forest System lands south of Point of Rocks in the Rock Creek drainage are closed under a Forest Closure Order. This includes trailheads, campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. This is in addition to the Closure Area encompassing the Line Creek Plateau. The Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212) remains open.

  Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): The current TFR in place for air space over the Robertson Draw Fire (FDC 1/3808) will lesson impacts to local aviation operators. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!   Cooperating Agencies: DNRC, BLM, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office and DES, Red Lodge Fire District

Fire Stats:

Location: 10 mi south of Red Lodge, MT

Start Date: June 13, 2021

Size: 21,000 approximate     Percent Contained: 0%     Cause: Human Caused, further under investigation

Total Personnel: 200     Crews: 5 handcrews     Engines: 10     Helicopters: 4     Tankers: 2     Heavy Equipment: 7

Current Status:  
 
Cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, less winds and additional resources all aided in making good progress on the Robertson Draw Fire on Wednesday. Approximately 200 personnel are assigned to the incident with more personnel incoming.

Brian Jenkins, Incident Commander of Northern Rockies Team 4 will assume command of the fire, tonight at 7:00 p.m. Night shift operations will be in place tonight to continue progress. Crews are working on structure protection, along with building dozer line and tying into cold burned black to secure portions of the fire's edge. Retardant lines were placed throughout the day along the northwestern edge of Mt. Maurice. Much of Wednesday smoke and growth occurred on the southern perimeter of the fire and on an interior bowl on the southern side of Mt. Maurice.

Weather / Fire Behavior

Above average temperatures are expected over the next several days with no precipitation. However the days are expected to be cooler than Monday and Tuesday when the Robertson Draw Fire saw significant growth. 

Evacuations 

Area south of Hwy 308 from Red Lodge to Highway 72, west of Highway 72 to the Wyoming border, excluding the towns of Bearcreek and Belfry (Bearcreek and Belfry, MT under Evacuation warnings). Area east of Highway 212 from Meeteetse Trail Road to Westminster Spires Church Camp. USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek and all campgrounds, dispersed camping and trailheads from the Lake Fork north to Red Lodge including the dispersed camping area just west of the Lake Fork Road. 

Closures 
 
Area closure is in place for the area south of Highway 212, east to the area along the Beartooth Front and south to the Wyoming border. This does not include the campgrounds and homes along East Side Road. Line Creek Road is closed in Wyoming. Roads closed to the public – local access only allowed: Meeteetse Trail Road, Grove Creek Road, Robertson Draw Road, Line Creek Road in Wyoming. Highway 308 is open to the public at this time. 

  

Size: approximately 21,000 acres

Evacuations:  A shelter has been set up at the Red Lodge Community Church at 308 S. Broadway. Small pets ok (restrained).  Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Veteran Memorial Civic Center in Red Lodge at 215 14th St. West.

-       Area south of Highway 308 from Red Lodge to Highway 72, west of Highway 72 to the Wyoming border. Excluding the towns of Bearcreek and Belfry.

-       The area east of Highway 212 from Meeteetse Trail Road to Westminster Spires Church Camp. 

-       USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek.

-       All campgrounds, dispersed camping and trailheads from the Lake Fork north to Red Lodge including the dispersed camping area just west of the Lake Fork Road.

-       Evacuation Warning:  Town of Bearcreek

Closures:  An area closure is in place for the area south of Highway 212, east to the area along the Beartooth Front and south to the Wyoming border. This does not include the campgrounds and homes along East Side Road. Line Creek Road is closed in Wyoming.  Roads closed to the public – local access only allowed: Meeteetse Trail Road, Grove Creek Road, Robertson Draw Road, Line Creek Road in Wyoming. Highway 308 is open to the public at this time.

-        Cause: under investigation, started June 13, 2021

-        Containment: 0%

-        Resources: Numerous resources are on-scene and additional are enroute.  Resources incoming include handcrews, engines, helicopters, a rappel crew, and support personnel.  Air tankers continue supporting the incident.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team is inbriefing this morning and will be taking command of the fire.

 

Red Lodge, MT – June 16, 2021 – Morning Update:  The Robertson Draw Fire saw significant growth, yesterday with challenging fire weather and sustained winds of 20 – 30 mph.  The fire continues to actively burn along the east side of Line Creak Plateau into sage and grass south of Bearcreek and Belfry and around Mount Maurice, south of Red Lodge. All evacuation orders remain in place.

 

Continued record high temperatures and relative humidity in the single digits are providing a challenging firefighting situation in rugged and inaccessible terrain.  Extreme fire behavior on Tuesday made fighting the fire safely on the ground nearly impossible and the high winds preventing aircraft from fighting the fire with retardant and water drops challenging.  Engines were placed on structure protection, as safe to do so.

 

Public Meeting:  Virtual and in-person public meeting is planned for tonight, June 16 at 7:00 p.m. (MDT) at Red Lodge High School Gym (800 Chambers Ave N. Red Lodge, MT).  The meeting will be live streamed on the Custer Gallatin National Forest’s Facebook page at CusterGallatinNationalForest.

 

The fire is not located within the wilderness area.  Firefighters have been utilizing aircraft to deliver water and retardant to the fire-line since the fire was reported.  There continue being considerable aircraft resources working the Robertson Draw Fire to deliver water and retardant when wind and weather conditions are safe to fly.   

 

With the increased humidity and lower temperatures, the weather today is more favorable for firefighting efforts. Shifting winds means there may be more growth on the South and Eastern portions of the fire today. Priorities remain structure protection, building line around the fire and as always, firefighter and public safety. 

The Robertson Draw Fire has been very actively burning along the east side of Line Creak Plateau and has moved around Mount Maurice. We are providing this summary in an effort to consolidate the evacuation orders currently in place.

Evacuation Orders:

• Area south of Highway 308 from Red Lodge to Highway 72, east of 72 to the Wyoming border. This excludes the town of Bearcreek and Belfry. 
• The area west of Meeteetse Trail Road, and the east side of Highway 212 from Meeteetse Trail Road to Westminster Spires Church Camp. 
• USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek. 
• All campgrounds, dispersed camping and trailheads from the Lake Fork north to Red Lodge including the dispersed camping area just west of the Lake Fork Road. 

Evacuation Warnings:

• Town of Bearcreek

An Evacuation Order means that you should leave your home immediately. An evacuation warning is issued from the county sheriff and alerts people to be ready to go if needed. People with medical, functional, or other needs should consider evacuating if possible

A shelter has been set up at the Red Lodge Community Church at 308 S. Broadway. Small pets are welcome as long as they are restrained.

The Red Cross will be setting up a shelter at the Veteran Memorial Civic Center in Red Lodge at 215 14th Street West.

The Robertson Draw Fire, burning south of Red Lodge, Montana along the eastern edge of the Beartooth Front, is seeing intense fire activity this afternoon. The area remains under a Red Flag Warning until 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 16.