Information Line: (406) 272-6349, 8 AM-8 PM
Deep Creek Canyon Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7536/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF
Twitter: @LewisandClarkNF
Email:  2021.deepcreekcanyon@firenet.gov
#DeepCreekFire

Incident Commander: Mike Goicoechea

The Deep Creek Canyon Fire is now 48 percent contained. The ¼ to ½ inches of rain received yesterday will assist firefighting efforts, but with heavy canopy cover in some areas, it was not enough moisture to extinguish it. Throughout the fire area burnt timber will smolder for weeks to months with little open flame. Smoke from smoldering stumps and logs will be visible within the fire area for some time.

Yesterday solid progress was made in many areas, and containment is steadily increasing as firefighters along the southwest perimeter continue to “mop up”. Mopping up is a suppression tactic used to reduce residual smoke after the fire has been controlled by extinguishing or removing burning material along or near the control line, cutting down hazardous trees, or moving logs so they do not roll downhill.

Today fire crews are holding and improving fire line to the north and south of Highway 12. On the northwest flank firefighters are scouting for patches of unburned fuel and hot spots and cold trailing/digging line to create a continuous fuel break. The task on the northeast side of the fire perimeter is to utilize direct fire line construction to reduce any potential for fire growth. Along the southwestern perimeter resources are securing constructed fire line and gridding for unknown hot spots.

Weather: Mostly sunny with temperatures in the low 70s and the relative humidity dropping to 17-22%. Winds at the ridge tops are out of the NW at 12 mph, gusting to 22 mph. As the weather conditions return to a warming, drying trend, fuels will dry out and could show heat with creeping and backing fire behavior inside the perimeter of the fire.

Evacuations, Closures and Additional Information:

If you are traveling on Highway 12 between Townsend and White Sulphur Springs, please note the strictly enforced, 35-mph maximum speed limit. The 35-mph speed limit is for the safety of the public, firefighters, and the utility companies working in the fire area. Use extreme caution when traveling and DO NOT stop along the highway. EXPECT DELAYS and plan accordingly. The protection of our firefighters and the public is our top priority.

Follow the Vigilante Electric Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/vigilanteelectric) for updates.

A reminder to all residents who were previously evacuated: you are in the “SET” status and should be prepared to evacuate if fire weather or behavior changes.

An area closure order is in effect. Visit: https://go.usa.gov/x6UsE to view the map and order. Order #01-15-11-21-12 will be in effect until July 15, unless rescinded earlier. Know before you go! 

Sign up for emergency alerts at https://sheriff.meaghercounty.net/ and https://www.broadwatercountysheriff.org/alerts-signup

For wildfire preparedness information visit firewise.org and wildlandfirersg.org 

Information Line: (406) 272-6349, 8 AM-8 PM
Deep Creek Canyon Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7536/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF
Twitter: @LewisandClarkNF
Email:  2021.deepcreekcanyon@firenet.gov
#DeepCreekFire

Incident Commander: Mike Goicoechea

The Deep Creek Canyon Fire is now 15 percent contained and firefighters continue to make great progress mopping up hot spots and cold trailing along the fire perimeter. Crews are being assisted by heavy equipment and more favorable weather conditions.

Yesterday saw minimal fire activity with the wind pushing the fire back into previously burned areas which allowed firefighters to secure more of the fire perimeter. Construction of hand line in areas with continuous timber fuels will be a labor-intensive process that will extend over the next few days.

Today good progress is being made in many areas, and with that we expect to see containment increase steadily as crews continue to mop up. Areas with continuous fuels will require additional attention over the coming days. Structure protection personnel are building on previously collected assessment data. To date, aircraft have dropped a combined 280,000 gallons of water and 24,000 gallons of retardant.

Weather: Rain this morning will transition into showers this afternoon and then taper off in the evening. Winds out of the northwest will gust to 20-25 mph. It will be cool with highs in the upper 50s and relative humidity around 70%. Spread rates have diminished to smoldering and creeping with small patches of dead fuels burning. Minimal fire spread is expected.

Important Message from Vigilante Electric Cooperative:
“Currently we have 19 people working up there 12 hours/day to get the line rebuilt.  We had over 3 miles of line destroyed that needed to be replaced.  As you know the terrain is steep and rugged in spots.  We have 58 structures that we need to set either by hand or with equipment when the individual sites can be accessed.  We have about 1/3 of the structures set and are expecting a good day today with it being a little cooler and we had a specialty pole setting skidder delivered.  This is very dangerous work and safety of the crews working up there is paramount.  We are expecting to have an estimated “power on” date possibly as early as tonight or tomorrow morning.  We sincerely appreciate the understanding and patience of the members up there during these very trying times.  We will get the power back on up there soon.  Please follow the Vigilante Electric Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/vigilanteelectric) and this forum for updates.  Thank You!  Rollie Miller, General Manager” 

Evacuations, Closures and Additional Information:

If you are traveling on Highway 12 between Townsend and White Sulphur Springs, please note the strictly enforced, 35-mph maximum speed limit. The 35-mph speed limit is for the safety of the public and firefighters working in the fire area. Use extreme caution when traveling and DO NOT stop along the highway. EXPECT DELAYS and plan accordingly. The protection of our firefighters and the public is our top priority.

A reminder to all residents who were previously evacuated: you are in the “SET” status and should be prepared to evacuate if fire weather or behavior changes.

An area closure order is in effect. Visit: https://go.usa.gov/x6UsE to view the map and order. Order #01-15-11-21-12 will be in effect until July 15, unless rescinded earlier. Know before you go! 

Sign up for emergency alerts at https://sheriff.meaghercounty.net/ and https://www.broadwatercountysheriff.org/alerts-signup

For wildfire preparedness information visit firewise.org and wildlandfirersg.org. 

Effective at 8 a.m. today, the evacuation order for the Grassy Mountain area was lifted and residents can return to their homes. This area is currently in “SET” status, meaning residents should be prepared to “GO” if fire conditions change.

Information Line: (406) 272-6349, 8 AM-8 PM
Deep Creek Canyon Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7536/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF
Twitter: @LewisandClarkNF
Email:  2021.deepcreekcanyon@firenet.gov
#DeepCreekFire
 
Incident Commander: Mike Goicoechea

The Deep Creek Canyon Fire is seven percent contained due to the hard work and dedication of the interagency fire crews and our cooperators.

Effective at 8 a.m. today, the evacuation order for the Grassy Mountain area was lifted and residents can return to their homes. This area is currently in “SET” status, meaning residents should be prepared to “GO” if fire conditions change.

Yesterday additional resources were deployed to assist with direct fire attack. On the southwestern edge, crews secured the established fire line and continued to mop up and cold trail. The structure protection group scouted the Grassy Mountain area to assess values at risk and develop mitigation plans. The helibase in Townsend was very active supporting five helicopters dropping water on all areas of the fire. The Super Scoopers have dropped over 80,000 gallons of water to date.

Today there continues to be minimal fire activity with the wind pushing the fire back into areas previously burned. This slows fire spread and reduces intensity, allowing firefighters to secure more of the fire perimeter. The northwest flank of the fire is dotted with spot fires in steep terrain and will continue to be a challenge to crews. Construction of hand line in the continuous timber fuels on the south side of the fire will be a labor-intensive process over the next few days.

Weather: Sunny, becoming mostly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Northwest winds will pick up mid-day, gusting to 35 mph on the ridgetops. Temperatures are in the mid-70s with humidity in the upper teens.

Evacuations, Closures and Additional Information:

·If you are traveling on Highway 12 between Townsend and White Sulphur Springs, please note the strictly enforced, 35-mph maximum speed limit. The 35-mph speed limit is for the safety of the public and firefighters working in the fire area. Use extreme caution when traveling and DO NOT stop along the highway. EXPECT DELAYS and plan accordingly. The protection of our firefighters and the public is our top priority.

·An area closure order is in effect. Visit: https://go.usa.gov/x6UsE to view the map and order. Order #01-15-11-21-12 will be in effect until July 15, unless rescinded earlier. Know before you go!

·Sign up for emergency alerts at https://sheriff.meaghercounty.net/ and https://www.broadwatercountysheriff.org/alerts-signup

·For wildfire preparedness information visit firewise.org and wildlandfirersg.org.

Information Line: (406) 272-6349, 8 AM-8 PM
Deep Creek Canyon Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7536/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF
Twitter: @LewisandClarkNF
Email:  2021.deepcreekcanyon@firenet.gov
#DeepCreekFire

Incident Commander: Mike Goicoechea
Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1, along with the Broadwater County Rural Fire District, Montana DNRC, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, and all cooperating agencies, are committed to protecting all values, first and foremost, firefighter and public safety. We will also protect communities, infrastructure, private inholdings, timberlands, public and private grazing allotments, heritage sites and the Westslope Cutthroat Trout habitat.

Yesterday suppression efforts progressed well as crews constructed handline and dozers continued to build more containment lines on the southeast flank of the fire. Hand crews were supported by water drops from helicopters and CL-415 “Super Scoopers.” A decent amount of line was secured on the northwest perimeter utilizing engine crews. Firefighters completed cold trailing in many areas; carefully inspecting and feeling with their hands for heat to detect any remaining hot spots.

Today additional firefighting resources are arriving to assist with suppression efforts. Crews and engines continue working on direct fire attack with the support of aircraft and “Skidgens,” versatile heavy logging equipment often used in wildfires. These vehicles can carry large amounts of water over rough terrain to assist firefighters. On the southwestern edge, crews are securing established fire line and mopping up the heel of the fire perimeter where it intersects Highway 12. A structure protection group is assessing values at risk and making plans to safely mitigate the fire’s impact upon the values they are charged with protecting. A helibase is now operating out of the Townsend airport to support additional aircraft.

Weather: Mostly clear skies with warm, dry conditions and terrain-driven winds. Saturday will bring increasing cloud cover ahead of the expected cold front. Temperatures in 70s and 80s with relative humidity around 17 to 21 percent.

Evacuations, Closures and Additional Information:  Grassy Mountain subdivision evacuation remains in effect. 
A forest closure order is now in effect.

Visit: https://go.usa.gov/x6UsE to view the map and order. Order #01-15-11-21-12 will be in effect until July 15, unless rescinded earlier. Know before you go! 

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. View it at: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/index.html 

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones are prohibited over the fire area. When you fly, we can’t! 

Sign up for emergency alerts at https://sheriff.meaghercounty.net/ and https://www.broadwatercountysheriff.org/alerts-signup 

TOWNSEND, Mont. June 17, 2021 — In response to the Deep Creek Canyon Fire, an area closure encompassing many developed recreational sites, roads and trails outside Townsend is in now effect. 

“We wanted to ensure the safety of our communities and firefighters,” said Acting District Ranger Erin Fryer. “With the network of Forest Service managed trails and roads in and around the fire, we wanted to ensure no one would be put at risk if the winds change.  This will also give firefighters the space to put all their efforts into containing the fire as soon as possible.”

Developed recreational site closures include:  

Information Line: 406-272-6349 8 am - 8 pm
Deep Creek Canyon Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7536
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF
Twitter: @LewisandClarkNF
Email: 2021.deepcreekcanyon@firenet.gov
#DeepCreekFire 
 
Incident Commander: Mike Goicoechea, 

The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 took command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. this morning.  The Deep Creek Fire is being managed for full suppression.
The landscape consists of steep slopes, heavy timber in drainage bottoms and interspersed meadows in the upper slopes, as well as rocky areas with discontinuous vegetation.

Yesterday fire behavior moderated from the previous day and crews were able to reengage with a dozer, skidgens, and hand crews on the southwest point of the fire.  Good progress was made.  A hotshot crew scouted the north area of the fire to assess growth and observed multiple spots and they began to take direct efforts on the spot fires. Improvement to a road was made by a private landowner on the east edge of the fire perimeter allowing greater access to firefighters. 

Today firefighting resources will continue direct fire line work on the southwest corner of the fire moving along the fire’s perimeter to the north while continuing to identify and work on spot fires to the north from Tuesday’s wind event.  Additionally, scouting efforts will identify areas where crews can safely build direct fire line along the fire’s perimeter.  Multiple aircraft will be available to ground crews to slow fire spread as needed. 

Weather: Mostly dry conditions with a warming trend expected Thursday thru Saturday. Generally light winds thru Friday. A potential wind shift/cold front may arrive Saturday evening bringing a chance for light rain early Sunday morning and ending Sunday evening. 

Evacuations, Closures and Additional Information:  

• Grassy Mountain subdivision evacuation remains in effect.  

• There will be a fire area closure in-place today for public safety purposes; details of this area closure will be shared once finalized.  

• There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area.  Drones over the fire area are prohibited. When you fly, we can’t! 

Cooperating Agencies:  The Deep Creek Canyon fire is currently under Unified Command with Broadwater Rural Fire District. In addition, cooperating agencies include Broadwater County Sheriff, Search and Rescue, and Disaster and Emergency Services, Meagher County Sheriff and Disaster and Emergency Services. 

 Wildfire Information- Deep Creek Fire
Wednesday, June 16, 2021Contact: Fire Information at 406-272-6349
 Size: 2000+ acres
 Location: Fire has spread northeast and south of Highway 12E in the Deep Creek Canyon area near Townsend, Montana.
 Cause: The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however, responding personnel discovered a fallen tree had caused a downed powerline.
 Activity & Management: The Deep Creek Canyon Fire has remained active over the last 24 hours, with fire behavior continuing overnight due to the sustained winds and minimal relative humidity recovery.
 Yesterday’s (6/15/21) Fire Activity: Despite dozer line around the fire, the red flag warning weather conditions resulted in an increase of fire activity and spotting. Late in the afternoon, the main fire spotted across Highway 12 and spread quickly. In the evening, a DNRC helicopter experienced a hard landing along the highway; however, all individuals exited the aircraft before it resulted in a fire.Today’s (6/16/21) Planned Fire Activities: A reconnaissance flight of the fire perimeter is ordered for this morning at 0930 to assess the movement from yesterday’s fire activity and get better mapping. Ground crews will be focusing on the east flank from yesterday’s fire perimeter, and will continue building line along the fire perimeter where it is safe to do so. Mike Goicoechea’s Type I Northern Rockies Incident Management Team will assume command of the Deep Creek Canyon Fire at 6 a.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021.
 Closures:• Highway 12 remains closed due to fire activity near/along the roadway.• Grassy Mountain subdivision evacuation remains in effect.• There will be a fire area closure in-place later today for public safety purposes; details of this area closure will be shared once finalized.• The public is asked to avoid Duck Creek road for the time-being due to downed trees and crews working to clear those hazards off the roadway.Fire Management Information: The Deep Creek Fire is being managed for full suppression. The landscape consists of heavy timber in drainage bottoms and interspersed meadows in the upper slopes, as well as rocky areas with discontinuous vegetation.

*Public Meeting planned for Wednesday, 6/16 at 8 p.m. on Helena-Lewis and Clark Forest Facebook Live; In-person locations: Senior Center in White Sulphur Springs; Townsend School in Townsend* # # #

 June 15 - 9 p.m.Size:  2000+ acres

  Tuesday, June 15, 2021

RED FLAG WARNING: HOT, DRY AND WINDY CONDITIONS TODAY WILL CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE FIREFIGHTERS AND AERIAL RESOURCES

Size: Estimated at 180 acres

Location: Fire is North of Highway 12 in the Deep Creek Canyon area near Townsend, Montana.

Cause: The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however, responding personnel discovered a fallen tree had caused a downed powerline.

Activity & Management: Today’s activity for ground crews will be to continue constructing hand line and dozer line directly along the fire’s perimeter. A hose lay is in place and will continue from Highway 12 along the East flank of the fire to cool the visible smokes along the highway and East flank. Helicopters will be used to support the ground crews throughout the fire and along the fire’s perimeter. A reconnaissance flight has been ordered for today to get a good visual of the entire fire. We will continue to post a fact sheet on social media and provide one at the Townsend Ranger District, Belt Creek-White Sulphur Springs Ranger District, and local businesses in the Townsend and White Sulphur Springs areas.

RED FLAG WARNING

Weather: High pressure aloft over Montana will continue to bring hot and dry conditions to the wildfire area today. A dry surface cool front moves eastward from the Pacific Northwest, passing through western and central Montana this afternoon and producing wind gusts up to 30 mph out of the southwest. Minimum relative humidity percentages will drop into the single digits to lower teens this afternoon with overnight recoveries expected to be very poor.

Background: Smoke was reported on June 13th. The fire grew quickly and local resources, Broadwater County Rural Fire Department, Broadwater County Sherriff Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Department of Natural Resources, and Forest Service arrived and anchored in at Highway 12. Monday, June 14th the fire transitioned to a Type 3 Incident Team, and in addition to numerous ground and air resources. Ground crews worked the East and West flanks of the fire and made progress with helicopters dropping water, extinguishing the hot spots along the perimeter of the fire. Broadwater County Sherriff’s Office helped manage traffic on Highway 12 and narrowed traffic down to one lane near the fire.

Fire Management Information: The Deep Creek Fire is being managed for full suppression. The landscape consists of heavy timber in drainage bottoms and interspersed meadows in the upper slopes, as well as rocky areas with discontinuous vegetation.

Additional Information: No closures are in place currently. Structures are considered threatened. Today’s weather is hot, dry and windy. Firefighter safety and hydration is a concern.