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

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.

The fire exhibited minimal fire behavior, with creeping and smoldering. Today, crews located, isolated and put out hot-spots interior to the fire's edge. 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. Heavy equipment continued to build a fuel break in heavily timbered areas directly north of the fire and will likely finish the contingency line tomorrow. Crews will continue 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 tomorrow 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. Cooler weather and a chance for precipitation are predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday. Poor relative humidity recovery tonight could result in an extended burn period tomorrow. Smokes, interior to the fireline, may be visible as larger fuels continue to smolder and burn out. There is potential for fire spread in the finer grass fuels if heat moves from timbered areas to the more open areas. Drift smoke from other fires in the West is expected to remain in the greater Bozeman area.

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.

Fire Information Line: 406-219-7052 (8 am to 8 pm)

Media Inquiries: 406-219-7136

Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7144

Email: 2020.bridgerfoothills@firenet.gov

Facebook: CusterGallatinNationalForest

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: 349
• Engines: 11
• Type 1 "Hot Shot" crews: 1
• Type 2 Hand crews: 6
• Helicopters: 2
• Dozers: 1
• 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.

COOPERATORS:

Gallatin County
Montana DNRC
Custer Gallatin NF

 CURRENT STATUS:

Rocky Mountain Type 1 Incident Management Team transferred command of the fire to the Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team 5 yesterday evening.

Acreage remains at 8,224 acres. Containment increased to 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 exhibited minimal fire behavior, with creeping and smoldering. Similar activity is expected today. On the south side of the fire, crews will continue to monitor, patrol, and mop-up as needed. They will begin suppression repair along the southern flank of the fire. On the western flank, crews grid for hot-spots, mopped-up, and secured the area. Heavy equipment continued to build a fuel break in heavily timbered areas directly north of the fire and will likely finish the contingency line in another day or two. Along the Hwy 86 corridor to the east of the fire, crews mopped-up and patrolled the area. Crews will continue to mop-up and monitor areas around structures. Smoke from other fires on the west coast could affect air operations today.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

There was poor relative humidity recovery overnight. Temperatures are expected to reach the high 70s, with relative humidity in the lower teens. Ridgetop winds up to 15 mph are predicted, with lighter winds at lower elevations. A weak cold front is expected to cross the fire area Monday, with breezy winds. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Monday afternoon, given low relative humidity and gusty, shifting winds. Cooler weather and a chance for precipitation are predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday. Smokes, interior to the fireline, may be visible as larger fuels continue to smolder and burn out. Drift smoke from other fires in the West is expected to enter the local area.

 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. One Less Spark = One Less Wildfire.

Fire Information Line: 406-219-7052 (8 am to 8 pm)

Media Inquiries: 406-219-7136

Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7144

Email: 2020.bridgerfoothills@firenet.gov

Facebook: CusterGallatinNationalForest

Northern Rockies
Incident Management Team 5

• Total personnel: 369
• Engines: 11
• Type 1 "Hot Shot" crews: 2
• Type 2 Hand crews: 6
• Helicopters: 2
• Dozers: 1
• 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.

COOPERATORS:

Gallatin County
Montana DNRC
Custer Gallatin NF

CURRENT STATUS:

Rocky Mountain Type 1 Incident Management Team transferred command of the fire to the Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team 5, effective at 8 p.m. tonight.

Acreage remains at 8,224 acres. Containment increased to 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 exhibited minimal fire behavior today, with creeping and smoldering. Similar activity is expected tomorrow. On the south side of the fire, crews will continue to monitor, patrol, and mop-up as needed. They will begin suppression repair along the southern flank of the fire. On the western flank, crews grid for hot-spots, mopped-up, and secured the area. Heavy equipment continued to build a fuel break in heavily timbered areas directly north of the fire and will likely finish the contingency line in another day or two. Along the Hwy 86 corridor to the east of the fire, crews mopped-up and patrolled the area. Crews will continue to mop-up and monitor areas around structures.  

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Temperatures rose into the high 70s this afternoon with relative humidity in the teens. The forecast calls for poor relative humidity recovery during the overnight hours. A continued warming and drying will occur ahead of a weak cold front that will cross the fire area Monday, with breezy winds. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Monday afternoon, given the low relative humidity and gusty SW winds. Cooler weather and a chance for precipitation are predicted for Tuesday/Wednesday. Smokes, interior to the fireline, may be visible as larger fuels continue to smolder and burn out.  

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 potentially cause a spark, igniting new wildfires. One Less Spark = One Less Wildfire.

Fire Information Line: 406-219-7052 (8 am to 8 pm)

Media Inquiries: 406-219-7136

Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7144

Email: 2020.bridgerfoothills@firenet.gov

Facebook: CusterGallatinNationalForest

Bridger Foothills Fire Morning Update

September 12, 2020 - 9:00 am

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team - Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Center: 406-219-7052 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

Media Inquiries: 406-219-7136

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7144/       Email: 2020.bridgerfoothills@firenet.gov

Bridger Foothills Fire Story Map: https://arcg.is/1eqjm0

Special Notes:  Northern Rockies Team 5, a Montana-based Type 2 Incident Management Team, will take command of the incident at 8:00 pm this evening. Today is a transition period with the Rocky Mountain Type 1 Team to exchange information and bring the new team up to full capability before taking over. The Rocky Mountain team will leave Sunday morning to another fire assignment with location yet to be determined.

To continue addressing the needs of people directly impacted by the Bridger Foothills Fire, the Southwest Montana COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster), in coordination with Gallatin County Emergency Management, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and the Custer Gallatin National Forest, will be offering numerous options for assistance to impacted residents on Saturday, September 12. For more information https://www.gallatinmedia.org/.

Evacuations and Closures:  Bridger Canyon Road remains closed to the public from Boylan Road to Brackett Creek. This includes bikers and runners. The section of road is open for residents only and for service providers that are requested by residents, such as contactors, construction crews, insurance personnel and trash companies. Residents and others should stay off the roads from 7 AM to 10 AM, and from 6 PM to 8 PM to allow fire crews to travel.

Bridger Foothills Fire Statistics:

Size: 8,224 acres

Containment: 72%

Total Personnel: approximately 373 

Location: NE of Bozeman, approx. 2.5 miles up from M parking lot, near the Bridger Foothills trail

Reported: September 4, 2020

Resources Include: Air resources include 2 medium helicopters and 1 light helicopter. Other personnel and equipment include 2 Interagency Hotshot (Type 1) hand crews, 8 Type 2 hand crews, 13 engines, 2 water tenders, 1 ambulance, and 2 dozers.

Bridger Foothills Fire Evening Update

September 11, 2020 - 9:00 pm

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team - Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Center: 406-219-7052 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

Media Inquiries: 406-219-7136

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7144/       Email: 2020.bridgerfoothills@firenet.gov

Bridger Foothills Fire Story Map: https://arcg.is/1eqjm0

Current Situation: The fire is 8,224 acres with 72% containment. Minimal fire behavior was observed on the fire today again. The south flank, most of the east flank, some of the north end, and the west flank to the National Forest boundary are contained. Today’s fire suppression activity: crews continued to build line on the north end near the Division D/Division H break. Helicopters dropped water to cool spots on the north end. The timber taskforce (a team of skilled logging equipment operators who, under direction of fire operations staff, removes trees to make a fuel break) continued to establish a contingency fuel break in heavily timbered areas directly north of the fire. Crews continued hot-spotting, cold-trailing, and building handline along the west and south sides and checking and re-checking around structures on the east flank. Burned Area Emergency Rehab (BAER) team resources are beginning assessments along the Bridger Ridge trail and in the Pine Creek drainage.

Evacuations and Closures:  Bridger Canyon Road remains closed to the public from Boylan Road to Brackett Creek. This includes bikers and runners. The section of road is open for residents only and for service providers that are requested by residents, such as contactors, construction crews, insurance personnel and trash companies. Residents and others should stay off the roads from 7 AM to 10 AM, and from 6 PM to 8 PM to allow fire crews to travel.

Bridger Foothills Fire Statistics:

Size: 8,224 acres

Containment: 72%

Total Personnel: approximately 373 

Location: NE of Bozeman, approx. 2.5 miles up from M parking lot, near the Bridger Foothills trail

Reported: September 4, 2020

Cause: .Under investigation 

Resources Include: Air resources include 2 medium helicopters and 1 light helicopter. Other personnel and equipment include 2 Interagency Hotshot (Type 1) hand crews, 8 Type 2 hand crews, 13 engines, 2 water tender, 1 ambulance, and 2 dozers.

Here are links to informational videos taken at the Neighbors in Need event on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. 
 

HRDC:  https://youtu.be/Fe_nn2fQItk

Greater Gallatin United Way:  https://youtu.be/g5fQFGFdjSk

American Red Cross:  https://youtu.be/prwUh_vIw8o

The Help Center 211: https://youtu.be/4uNMVulUXXs

Love Inc:  https://youtu.be/XQwVlYOSF2I

A new closure map is now available showing closure areas on National Forest.