FACT SHEET

Salmon-Challis Fire Update

July 18, 2012 11:30 AM
Contact: Public Affairs Officer: Mardi Rhodes Phone: 208-756-5145 Cell: 208-993-0637 What: New fires Detected: July 18, 2012 Location: Salmon-Challis National Forest Fire Update: One fire has been reported today on the Leadore District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The fire is in the Little Eight Mile area, and has been estimated at 1.5 acres. An Engine and a helicopter have been dispatched to the fire, and an additional crew has been requested. Chrandal Creek Fire: DATE OF DETECTION: July 6, 2012 CURRENT SIZE: 1,800 acres LOCATION: CAUSE: Lightning CONTAINMENT: 15%

42 miles south of Darby, MT (32 air miles)

AGENCY: U.S. Forest Service Bitterroot National Forest (MT) & Salmon-Challis National Forest (ID) YESTERDAYS ACTIVITY: Cooler temperatures and high relative humidity resulted in minimal fire growth Tuesday. Minimal precipitation was received in the active fire area from passing afternoon thunderstorms. Hand and engine crews on the northeastern perimeter of the fire continued to make progress constructing line with equipment in addition to laying hose for mopping up hot spots. On the southwestern edge of the fire, fire fighters found and suppressed spot fires. Crews continued to be challenged by the combination of poor access and difficult terrain. Structure protection preparations have been completed for the residences in the Hughes Creek, MT drainage. The fire continues to be managed for full suppression. TODAYS WEATHER AND PLANNED ACTIVITY: Higher humidity and recent rains have reduced the fire to smoldering and creeping with some isolated torching. Weather is expected to become warmer and drier toward the end of the week with higher winds predicted on Friday. As the fire moves into stands of beetle killed timber, fire behavior becomes unpredictable. It is anticipated that

smoke will be visible as the fire continues to consume beetle killed timber. Crews will continue to construct fire line on the northeastern edge of the fire, extinguish spot fires, and assess suppression opportunities on the southern flank. PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 333 fire personnel, including ten 20-person crews, three helicopters, three engines, two dozers, and two water tenders. SPECIAL CONCERNS: The Stage 1 Evacuation Notification remains in effect for residents in the upper Hughes Creek, MT area (above Chrandal Creek). Thirtyseven structures are threatened in Hughes Creek, MT drainage. In the event structure protection measures are needed, they will be placed in a timely manner to ensure they are complete and operational. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with standing dead timber posing a safety risk to firefighters and occasional increases 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. These trails access the ridgeline trail dividing Idaho and Montana, near the active fire. 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