Chrandal Creek Fire Update July 24, 2012

Contact: Fire Information FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIRE NAME: Chrandal Creek DATE OF DETECTION: July 6, 2012 CURRENT SIZE: 2,250 acres CAUSE: Lightning CONTAINMENT: 40% Phone: 406-349-5101 UPDATE: July 24, 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: Firefighting personnel continued to make progress on securing important portions of the perimeter yesterday in spite of gusty winds, warm to hot weather and low relative humidity. The north and northeast flanks of the fire remain secure. Five hotshot crews worked on the southeast flank with support from helicopter water drops. The southern flank is holding and being monitored from the air for hot spots. Assessments for opportunities to pursue direct attack continue on the western side of the fire. Crews and helicopters are working in upper Chrandal Creek on the northwest flank. The fire made short torching runs between Skook Creek and Chrandal Creek, burning a previously unburned area between burned portions, increasing the overall size of the fire by approximately 50 acres. The structure protection plan remains in place for the residences in the Hughes Creek, MT drainage. Structures in the Alta area are also currently being assessed. TODAYS WEATHER AND PLANNED ACTIVITY: Activity will again focus at the head of Mine Creek, where hotshot crews will work in conjunction 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. Some personnel previously working on the northeastern portion of the fire will be redirected to those areas to aid in those efforts. Helicopters will be used to keep hot spots in check while ground forces work the perimeter. Weather conditions will be more favorable with humidity being higher overnight and temperatures slightly cooler and winds lighter on Tuesday. PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 425 fire personnel, including thirteen 20-person crews, five helicopters, six engines, one dozer 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