Northern Rockies Incident management team 5

Joe Sampson, Incident Commander

INCIDENT STATISTICS

Location: Custer Gallatin NF, 3 miles NE of Bozeman, MT

Start date: September 4, 2020

Size: 8,224 acres

Percent Contained: 83%

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:

• Total personnel: 248
• Engines: 6
• Type 2 Hand crews: 6
• Helicopters: 2
• Water tenders: 1

SUMMARY:

The Bridger Foothills Fire started around 3 pm on September 4, 2020. Initial attack forces responded, but were unable to suppress the fire, given the extreme dry and windy conditions. By that night the fire had grown to about 400 acres. Local resources attempted extended attack on Saturday, but a frontal passage with strong winds pushed the fire to an estimated 7,000 acres. The fire has shown minimal fire behavior on the perimeter in recent days, with interior smokes still visible. Firefighters continue to patrol, mop-up hot spots and secure the fire edge. Resource advisors are evaluating the fire area and coordinating suppression repair.

SAFETY:

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

COOPERATING AGENCIES:

Gallatin County
Montana DNRC
Custer Gallatin NF

CURRENT STATUS:

Acreage remains at 8,224 acres. Containment increased to 83%. The south side of the fire, a large portion of the east and west sides, and the large spot east of the fire are contained. Crews located, isolated, and put out hot-spots interior to the fire's edge on all flanks. Interior heat remains on the northern flank of the fire, and crews will continue to mop-up hot spots and grid the mostly unburned areas where previous spotting occurred. Fire personnel worked with the local Fire Department to assess structures outside the fire area, working from the north to the south. The data collected will be used to document the fire risk for those structures in the event of future fires. Heavy equipment will work to repair and smooth out roads and dozer lines used for the suppression operation. Drift smoke from other fires in the western U.S., settling into the Bozeman area, could affect air operations. Resources no longer needed will demobilize, returning to home units or receiving orders for reassignment to other incidents. Air operations have no planned missions beyond using UAS today. Personnel are utilizing an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to locate hot-spots along the fire perimeter on the northern flank. The use of UAS to assess fire activity has less risk, reducing ground-based firefighter exposure in steep, rugged, and rocky terrain. These operations are more cost effective than some traditional aerial operations. The end result is rapid assessment of current fire conditions through the utilization of sensors and cameras not readily available in traditional firefighting aircraft.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

The fire experienced moderate relative humidity recovery overnight. Temperatures in the mid to high 70s are expected, with relative humidity in the 14-19% range and lighter winds. The area will experience shifting winds this afternoon, to the north on the ridges and to the east in the valleys. Large fuels will continue to smolder, and creeping fire behavior is expected in duff and lighter fuels. Drift smoke from other fires in the West is expected to remain in the greater Bozeman area. Expected fire behavior is low; however, potential for fire remains high, due to extremely dry fuels. The extended forecast calls for increasing clouds on Friday and a 60% chance of rain over the weekend, with measurable precipitation expected (0.3 inch).

CLOSURES/NOTIFICATIONS:

Bridger Canyon Road in its entirety is OPEN to the public. Travelers should SLOW DOWN and watch for fire traffic, as firefighting resources remain in the area. The Forest has modified the area closure order for National Forest System lands in the Bridger Foothills Fire area. This closes the area, roads, and trails to all human entry within the Bridgers, west of Highway 86 and south of a line from the Brackett Creek intersection ("the Y") extending to the west through Ross Peak to the western Forest boundary. Popular trails like Middle Cottonwood, Bridger Foothills, Sypes Canyon, all Bridger Bowl trails to the ridge and all trails south of Brackett Creek and up and over Ross Peak remain closed. Trail users should refrain from attempting to run the ridge or loop the Bridger Foothills trail; many connector trails are still closed. Visit the Inciweb page, Closures tab, for a detailed description and map of the modified closure.

The Gallatin County Emergency Management Office encourages all residents to be prepared for future emergencies, by signing up to receive emergency notifications through the Community Notification System. Information can be found at https://www.readygallatin.com/public-warning/community-notification-system/.

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 5

Joe Sampson, Incident Commander

INCIDENT STATISTICS

Location: Custer Gallatin NF, 3 miles NE of Bozeman, MT

Start date: September 4, 2020

Size: 8,224 acres

Percent Contained: 77%

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:
• Total personnel: 260
• Engines: 8
• Type 2 Hand crews: 6
• Helicopters: 2
• Water tenders: 1

SUMMARY:

The Bridger Foothills Fire started around 3 pm on September 4, 2020. Initial attack forces responded, but were unable to suppress the fire, given the extreme dry and windy conditions. By that night the fire had grown to about 400 acres. Local resources attempted extended attack on Saturday, but a frontal passage with strong winds pushed the fire to an estimated 7,000 acres. The fire has shown minimal fire behavior on the perimeter in recent days, with interior smokes still visible. Firefighters continue to patrol, mop-up hot spots and secure the fire edge. Resource advisors are evaluating the fire area and coordinating suppression repair.

SAFETY:

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the fire area.

Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

COOPERATING AGENCIES:

Gallatin County
Montana DNRC
Custer Gallatin NF

CURRENT STATUS:

Acreage remains at 8,224 acres. Containment remains at 77%. The south side of the fire, a large portion of the east and west sides, and the large spot east of the fire are contained.

Crews located, isolated, and put out hot-spots interior to the fire's edge on all flanks. Interior heat remains on the northern flank of the fire, and crews will continue to mop-up hot spots and grid the mostly unburned areas where previous spotting occurred. Crews re-positioned from the southern edge to the northern flank to assist with mop-up and gridding. Crews in the Beasley Creek area coordinated with landowners to monitor areas around structures and address any "flare-ups," removing residual heat. Fire personnel worked with the local Fire Department to assess structures outside the fire area to the north. The data collected will be used to document the fire risk for those structures in the event of future fires. Smoke from other fires on the west coast could continue to affect air operations. Resources no longer needed will demobilize, returning to home units or receiving orders for reassignment to other incidents.

Personnel will be utilizing an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to locate hot-spots along the fire perimeter on the northern flank. The use of UAS to assess fire activity has less risk, reducing ground-based firefighter exposure in steep, rugged, and rocky terrain. These operations are more cost effective than some traditional aerial operations. The end result is rapid assessment of current fire conditions through the utilization of sensors and cameras not readily available in traditional firefighting aircraft.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

The fire experienced moderate relative humidity recovery overnight. Temperatures in the low to mid 70s are expected, with slightly higher relative humidity (18-22%) and winds similar to previous days. Large fuels will continue to smolder, and creeping fire behavior is expected in duff and lighter fuels. Drift smoke from other fires in the West is expected to remain in the greater Bozeman area. Expected fire behavior is low but potential for fire in the area is high, due to extremely dry fuels. The extended forecast calls for a 60% chance of rain over the upcoming weekend, with measurable precipitation expected (0.3 inch).

CLOSURES/NOTIFICATIONS:

Bridger Canyon Road in its entirety is OPEN to the public. Travelers should SLOW DOWN and watch for fire traffic, as firefighting resources remain in the area.

The Forest has modified the area closure order for National Forest System lands in the Bridger Foothills Fire area. This closes the area, roads, and trails to all human entry within the Bridgers, west of Highway 86 and south of a line from the Brackett Creek intersection ("the Y") extending to the west through Ross Peak to the western Forest boundary. Popular trails like Middle Cottonwood, Bridger Foothills, Sypes Canyon, all Bridger Bowl trails to the ridge and all trails south of Brackett Creek and up and over Ross Peak remain closed. Trail users should refrain from attempting to run the ridge or loop the Bridger Foothills trail; many connector trails are still closed. Visit the Inciweb page, Closures tab, for a detailed description and map of the modified closure.

The Gallatin County Emergency Management Office encourages all residents to be prepared for future emergencies, by signing up to receive emergency notifications through the Community Notification System. Information can be found at https://www.readygallatin.com/public-warning/community-notification-system/.

Bridger Canyon Road is now open. The previous closure area in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest has been decreased but roads and trails remain closed west of Hwy 86 and south of the Brackett Creek intersection ("the Y") extending west through Ross Peak to the western Forest boundary.  

Northern Rockies Incident management team 5

Joe Sampson, Incident Commander

INCIDENT STATISTICS

Location: Custer Gallatin NF 3 miles NE of Bozeman, MT

Start date: September 4, 2020

Size: 8,224 acres

Percent Contained: 77%

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:

• Total personnel: 260 • Engines: 8 • Type 2 Hand crews: 6 • Helicopters: 2 • Water tenders: 1

  SUMMARY:

The Bridger Foothills Fire started around 3 pm on September 4, 2020. Initial attack forces responded, but were unable to suppress the fire, given the extreme dry and windy conditions.

By that night the fire had grown to about 400 acres. Local resources attempted extended attack on Saturday, but a frontal passage with strong winds pushed the fire to an estimated 7,000 acres. The fire has shown minimal fire behavior on the perimeter in recent days, with interior smokes still visible. Firefighters continue to patrol, mop-up hot spots and secure the fire edge. Resource advisors are evaluating the fire area and coordinating suppression repair.

SAFETY:

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the fire area.

Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

COOPERATING AGENCIES:

Gallatin County
Montana DNRC
Custer Gallatin NF

CURRENT STATUS:

Acreage remains at 8,224 acres. Containment remains at 77%. The south side of the fire, a large portion of the east and west sides, and the large spot east of the fire are contained.

Crews located, isolated, and put out hot-spots interior to the fire's edge on all flanks. Crews re-positioned from the southern edge to the northern flank to assist with mop-up and gridding. Heavy equipment that completed the northern contingency line has been demobilized off the fire. Crews to the south coordinated with landowners to monitor areas around structures and address any "flare-ups," removing residual heat. Fire personnel worked with the local Fire Department to assess structures outside the fire area to the north. The data collected will be used to document the fire risk for those structures in the event of future fires. Smoke from other fires on the west coast could continue to affect air operations. Resources no longer needed will demobilize, returning to home units or receiving orders for reassignment to other incidents.

Personnel will be utilizing an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to locate hot-spots along the fire perimeter on the northern flank. The use of UAS to assess fire activity has less risk, reducing ground-based firefighter exposure in steep, rugged, and rocky terrain. These operations are more cost effective than some traditional aerial operations. The end result is rapid assessment of current fire conditions through the utilization of sensors and cameras not readily available in traditional firefighting aircraft.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Good relative humidity recovery is expected in the overnight hours. Temperatures tomorrow are expected to drop slightly into the high 70s, with higher relative humidity in the mid-teens and winds similar to previous days. Large fuels will continue to smolder, and creeping fire behavior is expected in duff and lighter fuels. Drift smoke from other fires in the West is expected to remain in the greater Bozeman area. The extended forecast calls for a 60% chance of rain over the upcoming weekend, with measurable precipitation expected (0.3 inch).

CLOSURES/NOTIFICATIONS:

Bridger Canyon Road in its entirety is OPEN to the public. Travelers should SLOW DOWN and watch for fire traffic, as firefighting resources remain in the area.

The Forest has modified the area closure order for National Forest System lands in the Bridger Foothills Fire area, effective at midnight tonight. This closes the area, roads, and trails to all human entry within the Bridgers, west of Highway 86 and south of a line from the Brackett Creek intersection ("the Y") extending to the west through Ross Peak to the western Forest boundary. Popular trails like Middle Cottonwood, Bridger Foothills, Sypes Canyon, all Bridger Bowl trails to the ridge and all trails south of Brackett Creek and up and over Ross Peak remain closed. Trail users should refrain from attempting to run the ridge or loop the Bridger Foothills trail; many connector trails are still closed. Visit the Inciweb page, Closures tab, for a detailed description and map of the modified closure.

The Gallatin County Emergency Management Office encourages all residents to be prepared for future emergencies, by signing up to receive emergency notifications through the Community Notification System. Information can be found at https://www.readygallatin.com/public-warning/community-notification-system/.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE

1. Going into or being upon an area 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e)

The closure applies to National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Bozeman Ranger District, Custer Gallatin National Forest shown in Attachment A including the following roads and trails:

Northern Rockies Incident management team 5

Joe Sampson, Incident Commander

INCIDENT STATISTICS

Location: Custer Gallatin NF, 3 miles NE of Bozeman, MT  

Start date: September 4, 2020

Size: 8,224 acres

Percent Contained: 77%

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:

• Total personnel: 277
• Engines: 6
• Type 1 "Hot Shot" crews: 1
• Type 2 Hand crews: 5
• Helicopters: 2
• Dozers: 1
• Water tenders: 1

SUMMARY:

The Bridger Foothills Fire started around 3 pm on September 4, 2020. Initial attack forces responded, but were unable to suppress the fire, given the extreme dry and windy conditions.

By that night the fire had grown to about 400 acres. Local resources attempted extended attack on Saturday, but a frontal passage with strong winds pushed the fire to an estimated 7,000 acres. The fire has shown minimal fire behavior on the perimeter in recent days, with interior smokes still visible. Firefighters continue to patrol, mop-up hot spots and secure the fire edge. Resource advisors are evaluating the fire area and coordinating suppression repair.

SAFETY:

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the fire area.

Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

COOPERATING AGENCIES:

Gallatin County
Montana DNRC
Custer Gallatin NF  

 CURRENT STATUS:

Acreage remains at 8,224 acres. Containment remains at 77%. The south side of the fire, a large portion of the east and west sides, and the large spot east of the fire are contained.

Despite predicted Red Flag conditions, the fire exhibited minimal fire behavior, with creeping and smoldering yesterday. Gusty winds did not materialize, as forecast. Crews located, isolated, and put out hot-spots interior to the fire's edge on all flanks. Firefighters worked to secure the perimeter on the northeast corner, addressing heat sources and "gridding" non-burned areas. To the north, crews found a burning snag which will burn out on its own. Today, crews will reposition from the southern edge to the northern flank to assist others with mop-up and gridding. Heavy equipment completed the fuel break directly north of the fire, "buttoning up" that section. Resource advisors are identifying any damages to minimize potential soil erosion and impacts from suppression operations. Crews to the south will coordinate with landowners to mop-up and monitor areas around structures, locating hot-spots and removing residual heat. Smoke from other fires on the west coast could affect air operations. Resources no longer needed will demobilize, returning to home units or receiving orders for reassignment to other incidents.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Temperatures are expected to drop slightly into the high 70s, with higher relative humidity in the mid-teens. However, fuel moisture remains low. Ridgetop winds up to 10-15 mph are predicted, with lighter winds at lower elevations, shifting from the SW to the W. Winds could gust to 25 mpg. Winds are expected to be more terrain-driven, which may cause more fire activity than previous days on the west ridge. Large fuels will continue to smolder, and creeping fire behavior is expected in duff and lighter fuels. Drift smoke from other fires in the West is expected to remain in the greater Bozeman area. The extended forecast calls for a 50% chance of rain over the upcoming weekend, with on and off showers.

EVACUATIONS/CLOSURES/NOTIFICATIONS:

Bridger Canyon Drive from Boylan Road to Brackett Creek Road is closed to the public. This includes bikers and runners.  The entire Bridger Canyon Road is open FOR RESIDENTS ONLY. Residents should reduce speed and watch for fire traffic. Residents should also refrain from using the roads from 7 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 8 pm to allow for safer travel by fire crews. For more information, see https://www.gallatinmedia.org/.

There is an area closure for National Forest System lands in the Bridger Foothills Fire area. This closes the area, roads, and trails to all human entry within the Bridgers south of Flathead Pass and all of the Bangtails. The Forest and the Incident Management Team are re-evaluating the closure daily and will adjust boundaries according to the situation on the ground.

The Gallatin County Emergency Management Office encourages all residents to be prepared for future emergencies, by signing up to receive emergency notifications through the Community Notification System. Information can be found at https://www.readygallatin.com/public-warning/community-notification-system/.

SPECIAL MESSAGES:

People recreating or spending time outdoors are reminded to be careful with activities that could cause a spark, potentially igniting new wildfires.

Folks are reminded to completely extinguish campfires; the local Forest has responded to 6 abandoned campfires recently. Drown, stir, and feel until cold to the touch.

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 5

Joe Sampson, Incident Commander

INCIDENT STATISTICS

Location: Custer Gallatin NF, 3 miles NE of Bozeman, MT  

Start date: September 4, 2020

Size: 8,224 acres

Percent Contained: 77%

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:

• Total personnel: 277
• Engines: 6
• Type 1 "Hot Shot" crews: 1
• Type 2 Hand crews: 5
• Helicopters: 2
• Dozers: 1
• Water tenders: 1

SUMMARY:

The Bridger Foothills Fire started around 3 pm on September 4, 2020. Initial attack forces responded, but were unable to suppress the fire, given the extreme dry and windy conditions.

By that night the fire had grown to about 400 acres. Local resources attempted extended attack on Saturday, but a frontal passage with strong winds pushed the fire to an estimated 7,000 acres. The fire has shown minimal fire behavior on the perimeter in recent days, with interior smokes still visible. Firefighters continue to patrol, mop-up hot spots and secure the fire edge. Resource advisors are evaluating the fire area and coordinating suppression repair.

SAFETY:

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the fire area.

Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

COOPERATING AGENCIES:

Gallatin County
Montana DNRC
Custer Gallatin NF  

CURRENT STATUS:

Acreage remains at 8,224 acres. Containment remains at 77%. The south side of the fire, a large portion of the east and west sides, and the large spot east of the fire are contained.

Despite predicted Red Flag conditions, the fire exhibited minimal fire behavior, with creeping and smoldering. Gusty winds did not materialize, as forecast. Crews located, isolated and put out hot-spots interior to the fire's edge on all flanks. Firefighters worked to secure the perimeter on the northeast corner, addressing heat sources and "gridding" non-burned areas. To the north, crews found a burning snag which will burn out on its own. Tomorrow, crews will reposition from the southern edge to the northern flank to assist others with mop-up and gridding. Heavy equipment completed the fuel break directly north of the fire, "buttoning up" that section. Resource advisors are also working on suppression repair, identifying any damages to repair and minimizing potential soil erosion and impacts from suppression operations. Crews will coordinate with landowners to mop-up and monitor areas around structures, locating hot-spots and removing residual heat. Smoke from other fires on the west coast and predicted gusty winds could affect air operations.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Temperatures are expected to drop slightly into the high 70s, with higher relative humidity in the mid-twenties. Ridgetop winds up to 25 mph are predicted, with lighter winds at lower elevations, shifting from the SW to the W. Winds are expected to be more terrain-driven. Large fuels will continue to smolder. Drift smoke from other fires in the West is expected to remain in the greater Bozeman area. The extended forecast calls for a 50% chance of rain over the upcoming weekend, with on and off showers.

EVACUATIONS/CLOSURES/NOTIFICATIONS:

Bridger Canyon Drive from Boylan Road to Brackett Creek Road is closed to the public. This includes bikers and runners.  The entire Bridger Canyon Road is open FOR RESIDENTS ONLY. Residents should reduce speed and watch for fire traffic. Residents should also refrain from using the roads from 7 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 8 pm to allow for safer travel by fire crews. For more information, see https://www.gallatinmedia.org/.

There is an area closure for National Forest System lands in the Bridger Foothills Fire area. This closes the area, roads, and trails to all human entry within the Bridgers south of Flathead Pass and all of the Bangtails. The Forest and the Incident Management Team are re-evaluating the closure daily and will adjust boundaries according to the situation on the ground.

The Gallatin County Emergency Management Office encourages all residents to be prepared for future emergencies, by signing up to receive emergency notifications through the Community Notification System. Information can be found at https://www.readygallatin.com/public-warning/community-notification-system/.

SPECIAL MESSAGES:

People recreating or spending time outdoors are reminded to be careful with activities that could cause a spark, potentially igniting new wildfires.

Folks are reminded to completely extinguish campfires; the local Forest has responded to 6 abandoned campfires recently. Drown, stir, and feel until cold to the touch.

Northern Rockies Incident management team 5

Joe Sampson, Incident Commander

INCIDENT STATISTICS

Location: Custer Gallatin NF, 3 miles NE of Bozeman, MT

Start date: September 4, 2020

Size: 8,224 acres

Percent Contained: 77%

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:

• Total personnel: 287
• Engines: 8
• Type 1 "Hot Shot" crews: 1
• Type 2 Hand crews: 5
• Helicopters: 2
• Water tenders: 1

SUMMARY:

The Bridger Foothills Fire started about 3 pm on Friday, September 4, 2020. Initial attack forces responded, but were unsuccessful in halting the fire, given the extreme dry and windy conditions.

By Friday night the fire had grown to about 400 acres. Local resources attempted extended attack on Saturday, but a frontal passage with strong winds pushed the fire to an estimated 11,000 acres. Through better mapping, the estimate was scaled back the following day to 7,000 acres.

SAFETY:

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the fire area.

Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

COOPERATING AGENCIES:

Gallatin County
Montana DNRC
Custer Gallatin NF

Acreage remains at 8,224 acres. Containment remains at 77%. The south side of the fire, a large portion of the east and west sides, and the large spot east of the fire are contained.

The fire has exhibited minimal fire behavior over the last several days, with creeping and smoldering. Crews located, isolated and put out hot-spots interior to the fire's edge on all flanks. Firefighters worked to secure the perimeter on the northeast corner, addressing heat sources and "gridding" non-burned areas. Resources are also working on suppression repair, smoothing out dozer lines and pulling back berms created during previous suppression operations. Heavy equipment continued to build a fuel break in heavily timbered areas directly north of the fire and will likely finish the contingency line this morning, "buttoning up" that section. Crews will coordinate with landowners to mop-up and monitor areas around structures, locating hot-spots and removing residual heat. Smoke from other fires on the west coast and predicted gusty winds could affect air operations.

Resources also assisted with and successfully contained a new start east of Bozeman.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for this afternoon, given very low relative humidity and gusty winds. Temperatures are expected to reach the low 80s, with relative humidity in the single digits. Ridgetop winds up to 30 mph are predicted, with lighter winds at lower elevations, shifting from the SW to the W. Receptive fuels will continue to smolder today; and the wind and hot, dry conditions could result in increased fire activity with single tree torching and interior burning. Drift smoke from other fires in the West is expected to remain in the greater Bozeman area. Cooler weather and a slight chance for precipitation are predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday.

EVACUATIONS/CLOSURES:

Bridger Canyon Drive from Boylan Road to Brackett Creek Road is closed to the public. This includes bikers and runners.

The entire Bridger Canyon Road is open FOR RESIDENTS ONLY. Residents should reduce speed and watch for fire traffic. Residents should also refrain from using the roads from 7 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 8 pm to allow for safer travel by fire crews. For more information, see https://www.gallatinmedia.org/.

There is an area closure from the Custer Gallatin NF around the fire area. This closes the area, roads, and trails to all human entry. The Forest is re-evaluating the closure daily and will adjust boundaries according to the situation on the ground.

SPECIAL MESSAGES:

Fine fuels have cured and dried out, available to ignite and burn under the right conditions. People recreating or spending time outdoors are reminded to be careful with activities that could cause a spark, potentially igniting new wildfires.

Folks are reminded to completely extinguish campfires; the local Forest has responded to 6 abandoned campfires in the last 24 days. Drown, stir, and feel until cold to the touch.

As of 11:30 am fire operations staff have reported minimal fire behavior and there has been no spread of the fire, particularly along the northern side. The Public Information staff of the Bridger Foothills Fire have received several questions regarding fire activity on the north side of the fire area.

Northern Rockies Incident management team 5

Joe Sampson, Incident Commander

INCIDENT STATISTICS

Location: Custer Gallatin NF, 3 miles NE of Bozeman, MT

Start date: September 4, 2020

Size: 8,224 acres

Percent Contained: 77%

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:

• Total personnel: 287
• Engines: 8
• Type 1 "Hot Shot" crews: 1
• Type 2 Hand crews: 5
• Helicopters: 2
• Water tenders: 1

SUMMARY:

The Bridger Foothills Fire started about 3 pm on Friday, September 4, 2020. Initial attack forces responded, but were unsuccessful in halting the fire, given the extreme dry and windy conditions.

By Friday night the fire had grown to about 400 acres. Local resources attempted extended attack on Saturday, but a frontal passage with strong winds pushed the fire to an estimated 11,000 acres. Through better mapping, the estimate was scaled back the following day to 7,000 acres.

SAFETY:

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the fire area.

Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

COOPERATING AGENCIES:

Gallatin County
Montana DNRC
Custer Gallatin NF

Acreage remains at 8,224 acres. Containment remains at 77%. The south side of the fire, a large portion of the east and west sides, and the large spot east of the fire are contained.

The fire has exhibited minimal fire behavior over the last several days, with creeping and smoldering. Crews located, isolated and put out hot-spots interior to the fire's edge on all flanks. Firefighters worked to secure the perimeter on the northeast corner, addressing heat sources and "gridding" non-burned areas. Resources are also working on suppression repair, smoothing out dozer lines and pulling back berms created during previous suppression operations. Heavy equipment continued to build a fuel break in heavily timbered areas directly north of the fire and will likely finish the contingency line this morning, "buttoning up" that section. Crews will coordinate with landowners to mop-up and monitor areas around structures, locating hot-spots and removing residual heat. Smoke from other fires on the west coast and predicted gusty winds could affect air operations.

Resources also assisted with and successfully contained a new start east of Bozeman.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for this afternoon, given very low relative humidity and gusty winds. Temperatures are expected to reach the low 80s, with relative humidity in the single digits. Ridgetop winds up to 30 mph are predicted, with lighter winds at lower elevations, shifting from the SW to the W. Receptive fuels will continue to smolder today; and the wind and hot, dry conditions could result in increased fire activity with single tree torching and interior burning. Drift smoke from other fires in the West is expected to remain in the greater Bozeman area. Cooler weather and a slight chance for precipitation are predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday.

EVACUATIONS/CLOSURES:

Bridger Canyon Drive from Boylan Road to Brackett Creek Road is closed to the public. This includes bikers and runners.

The entire Bridger Canyon Road is open FOR RESIDENTS ONLY. Residents should reduce speed and watch for fire traffic. Residents should also refrain from using the roads from 7 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 8 pm to allow for safer travel by fire crews. For more information, see https://www.gallatinmedia.org/.

There is an area closure from the Custer Gallatin NF around the fire area. This closes the area, roads, and trails to all human entry. The Forest is re-evaluating the closure daily and will adjust boundaries according to the situation on the ground.

SPECIAL MESSAGES:

Fine fuels have cured and dried out, available to ignite and burn under the right conditions. People recreating or spending time outdoors are reminded to be careful with activities that could cause a spark, potentially igniting new wildfires.

Folks are reminded to completely extinguish campfires; the local Forest has responded to 6 abandoned campfires in the last 24 days. Drown, stir, and feel until cold to the touch.