Chrandal Creek Fire Update July 26, 2012

Contact: Fire Information FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIRE NAME: Chrandal Creek DATE OF DETECTION: July 6, 2012 CURRENT SIZE: 2,400 acres CAUSE: Lightning CONTAINMENT: 50% Phone: 406-349-5101 UPDATE: July 26, 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: An inversion caused smoke to settle and linger in the West Fork (MT) and North Fork (ID) drainages overnight and into the morning. Cloud cover over the fire in the early afternoon helped keep the temperature lower and relative humidity higher than expected. Active burning continued on the west side of the fire between Skook Creek and Chrandal Creek. Group and single tree torching was observed with minimal fire movement. Crews on the north and east sides of the fire continued to patrol the fire perimeter and suppress hot spots. The southeastern corner of the fire continued to have some interior torching. Crews worked with air support to reduce fire spread in this area. A crew on the southern edge monitored for new spot fires. The structure protection group continued to finalize protection plans for residences in the Alta area of the Hughes Creek, MT drainage. TODAYS WEATHER AND PLANNED ACTIVITY: Temperatures are expected to be a little warmer and relative humidity a little lower today than yesterday. With less cloud cover and higher temperatures, there may be increased fire activity, with active burning occurring on the west side of the fire. Crews will continue to patrol and suppress hot spots along the fire perimeter and any new spot fires outside the perimeter to the north, east and south. Five Hotshot Crews will work on cutting a line along Snook Creek for access to the western side of the fire. Once safe access is established, hose lays and pumps will be used to attempt a direct attack on this portion of the fire. There is potential for thunderstorms to move into the area this afternoon and overnight into Friday. PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 404 fire personnel, including twelve 20-person crews, five helicopters, six engines, one dozer and seven 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 with a structure protection plan in place. 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