Chrandal Creek Fire Update July 23, 2012

Contact: Fire Information FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIRE NAME: Chrandal Creek DATE OF DETECTION: July 6, 2012 CURRENT SIZE: 2,200 acres CAUSE: Lightning CONTAINMENT: 40% Phone: 406-349-5101 UPDATE: July 23, 2012 7:00 a.m.

LOCATION: 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: Expected thunderstorms did not develop over the fire, but temperatures were high, humidity was low, and winds gusty. This caused some increase in fire activity with torching. Helicopters were active dropping water to support firefighting efforts and were a major factor in keeping the fire in check. Overall, the fire held within the existing perimeter. One-hundred elite firefighters worked on reducing fuels in advance of the fire near the head of Mine Creek. Crews also worked in the west fork of Chrandal Creek (Skook Creek). Work on the northeastern flank is nearing completion. The structure protection plan remains in place for the residences in the Hughes Creek, MT drainage. TODAYS WEATHER AND PLANNED ACTIVITY: Activity will focus at the head of Mine Creek. Hotshot crews will work in tandem with helicopters to contain the fire and keep it from moving east in this drainage. Crews will also work on containment along the northwest and northeast flanks in the upper reaches of Chrandal Creek. A low pressure system is expected which will reduce temperatures and slightly increase humidity, but bring gusty westerly winds up to 25 mph and a slight chance of dry thunderstorms. This may cause some increase in fire activity, especially at the head of Chrandal Creek as winds eddy around ridges. The structure protection plan remains in place for the residences in Hughes Creek, MT drainage and will be implemented as needed. The fire continues to be managed for full suppression. PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 418 fire personnel, including twelve 20-person crews, five helicopters, four engines, two dozers, and eight water tenders. SPECIAL CONCERNS: The Stage 1 Evacuation Notification is still in effect for residents in the upper Hughes Creek, MT area (above Chrandal Creek). People remain on notification of the possibility of evacuation if fire threat becomes imminent. Thirty-seven structures remain threatened in Hughes Creek, MT drainage. A structure protection plan is ready if needed and can be implemented quickly. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with standing dead timber, thus posing a safety risk to firefighters and a challenge for building fire line. 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: Air quality monitors are 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