DATE OF DETECTION: July 6, 2012
CAUSE: Lightning
CURRENT SIZE: 1,800 acres
CONTAINMENT: 15%
LOCATION: 42 miles south of Darby, MT (32 air miles)
AGENCY: U.S. Forest Service – Bitterroot National Forest (MT) & Salmon-Challis National Forest (ID)
YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Continued cooler temperatures and increased humidity resulted in minimal fire growth Monday. Afternoon thunderstorms were most active to the east, west and north of the fire. Progress was made by crews and machinery constructing direct fire line on the northeastern perimeter of the fire. Spot fires were continuing to be extinguished in Idaho on the southwestern edge of the fire. Poor access and difficult terrain hampered progress on the western edge of the fire. Structure protection preparations were completed for the residences in Hughes Creek, MT drainage. The fire continues to be managed for full suppression.
TODAY’S WEATHER AND PLANNED ACTIVITY: Higher humidity and rain have reduced the fire to smoldering and creeping with some isolated torching. Crews and equipment will continue to construct fire line on the northeastern edge of the fire and make assessments for suppression opportunities.
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 290 fire personnel, including 7 20-person crews and 3 helicopters.
SPECIAL CONCERNS: The Stage 1 Evacuation Notification remains in effect for residents in the upper Hughes Creek, MT area (above Chrandal Creek). Thirty-seven structures are threatened in Hughes Creek, MT drainage. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain and timber infested with mountain pine beetles, posing a safety risk to firefighters and an increase in fire activity at times.
CLOSURES:
Bitterroot National Forest: An area closure around the fire was put into effect on July 13 due to active wildfire conditions. The closure includes Trails #184 and #106 (Divide Trail) and Mine Creek Road #5688. The Hughes Creek Road in Montana is closed to non-residents at the intersection with Highway 473 (West Fork Road).
Salmon-Challis National Forest: Sections of the following trails are closed: #106, #141, #110, #105, #213, #142.
For more detailed and updated fire and closure information, visit www.inciweb.org.
SPECIAL MESSAGES:
An air quality monitor is in use at the Painted Rocks Fire Department and North Fork Ranger Station. Current air quality information for the area can be found at www.satguard.com/usfs/fleet.aspx