The Chrandal Creek fire, approximately two miles northwest of Irishman’s Rock in the Hughes Creek drainage, exhibited moderate fire activity Sunday under some cloud cover, producing little growth in fire size, which was estimated at 89 acres as of Monday morning.
The fire is burning in subalpine fire and beetle killed lodgepole pine. Air support is being provided by two helicopters dropping buckets of water on the fire. Personnel are reconnoitering safety zones in the burned area as well as anchor points for direct attack. Snags are a safety concern and will have to be felled in safety zones as well as constructing escape routes for crews. Plans are to use mechanized feller-buncher equipment for this work.
Temperatures this week are expected to be in the 90’s with a chance of thunderstorms.
Pictures of the Chrandal Creek fire, taken Friday, can be seen at: http://bitterrootnffireaviation2011.shutterfly.com/2012mt-brf,