Chrandal Creek Fire Update – July 15, 2012

 

Contact: Fire Information Phone: 406-349-5101 ·New number

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE UPDATE: July 15, 2012 7:00 a.m.

FIRE NAME: Chrandal Creek

DATE OF DETECTION: July 6, 2012 CAUSE: Lightning

CURRENT SIZE: 1,800 acres CONTAINMENT: 0%

LOCATION: 42 miles south of Darby, MT

AGENCY: U.S. Forest Service – Bitterroot National Forest (MT) & Salmon-Challis National Forest (ID)

YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Cooler temperatures and increased humidity resulted in minimal fire growth on Saturday. Fire crews continued assessment and structure protection preparation for residences in the Hughes Creek MT drainage. Poor access, numerous snags and difficult terrain continued to affect firefighting efforts. Large numbers of dead trees killed by the mountain pine beetle pose a safety risk to firefighters and cause an increase in fire activity at times. Little of the significant rain received in the local area Saturday occurred over the fire. The fire continues to be managed under full suppression.

TODAY’S WEATHER AND PLANNED ACTIVITY: The recent trend of cooler temperatures, increased humidity and afternoon thunderstorms is expected to continue today. These conditions should moderate fire activity and growth. This weather trend is forecasted for the next several days. Crews plan to complete structure protection preparation for residences along Hughes Creek MT. In addition, crews will work to contain several spot fires in Idaho beyond the southwest edge of the main fire. Opportunities to construct line and limit fire spread to the southeast will be pursued by crews.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 293 fire personnel, including 7 20-person crews and 3 helicopters.

SPECIAL CONCERNS: The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain and areas of mountain pine beetle-caused tree mortality. The Stage 1 Evacuation Alert 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.

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 http://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