Chrandal Creek Fire Update July 27, 2012

Contact: Fire Information FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIRE NAME: Chrandal Creek DATE OF DETECTION: July 6, 2012 CURRENT SIZE: 2,500 acres CAUSE: Lightning CONTAINMENT: 50% Phone: 406-349-5101 UPDATE: July 27, 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: With the northwest, north and northeast sides of the fire largely contained, efforts yesterday centered on controlling the southeast and west portions of the fire perimeter. Although scattered cloud cover and helicopter drops aided those firefighting efforts, crews had to contend with numerous, small rollout spots on the western edge. However, due to the work of five hotshot crews in the area, fire spread was minimal. The crews began to establish hose lays with pumps to directly attack and suppress hot areas along the fires edge. The fire is listed at 2,500 acres with 50% containment overall. 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 in the 70s and relative humidity will be in the 20s today. A few weak waves of moisture from the southwest are expected to increase the chance of thunderstorms and possibly weaken fire activity. The main focus of todays efforts will be to continue direct hand line construction by hotshot crews, with the support of helicopters up the west side of the fire. Elsewhere along the perimeter, crews will continue to grid the area and suppress any remaining heat near the fire line and around interior unburned, green islands. PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 396 fire personnel, including twelve 20-person crews, five helicopters, six engines, one dozer and four 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