Chrandal Creek Fire Update July 16, 2012

Contact: Fire Information Phone: 406-349-5101

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIRE NAME: Chrandal Creek DATE OF DETECTION: July 6, 2012 CURRENT SIZE: 1,800 acres CAUSE: Lightning

UPDATE: July 16, 2012 7:00 a.m.

CONTAINMENT: 0%

LOCATION: 42 miles south of Darby, MT AGENCY: U.S. Forest Service Bitterroot National Forest (MT) & Salmon-Challis National Forest (ID) YESTERDAYS ACTIVITY: Another day of cooler temperatures and increased humidity resulted in minimal fire growth Sunday. Although poor access, numerous snags and difficult terrain continued to affect firefighting efforts, progress was made, particularly on the northeast and southern flanks. Additionally, crews completed assessment and structure protection preparation for residences in the Hughes Creek, MT drainage. Several spot fires on the Idaho side were mopped up. Direct line was constructed by machinery and crews on the fires northeastern perimeter. About .15 inches of rain was recorded on the fire area Sunday and aided firefighters in their control efforts. The fire continues to be managed for full suppression. TODAYS WEATHER AND PLANNED ACTIVITY: Cooler temperatures, increased humidity and afternoon thunderstorms are expected to continue for the next several days. These conditions should moderate fire activity and growth. Today, crews working on the south edge of the fire near the Montana-Idaho state line will proceed east, intending to contain additional spot fires along the fires edge in Idaho, before looking for opportunities to build direct line on that portion of the fire. PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 286 fire personnel, including 7 20-person crews and 3 helicopters. SPECIAL CONCERNS: 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. 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. 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