A Community meeting will occur at the Wolf Creek Elementary School Friday night at 7 p.m.

A helicopter works near the Alice Creek Trailhead 8-31-17 (USFS Photo by Tim Thie)
A helicopter works near the Alice Creek Trailhead 8-31-17 (USFS Photo by Tim Thie)
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AUGUSTA, MT – The Alice Creek Fire is growing in all directions. Yesterday, it gained approximately 700 acres, mostly on the north side of the Continental Divide, across from Red Mountain. It is moving northeast towards Burned Point. The fire is also moving west, down South Falls Creek where it is slowing as hits the 2003 Snow/Talon Fire scar. There is also some north and eastward growth where firefighters are concentrating their efforts to protect about 30 structures located in the Elk Meadows/Evergreen, Toms Gulch, Alice Creek Basin, Bedrock and Dearborn areas.

There are 16 engines assigned to the fire working in close coordination with local Wolf Creek Fire responders. These engines are spread across the eastern flank of the fire to protect structures and to support firefighters with water delivery in the heavily timbered areas. They have completed a structure triage plan. These heavy engines and water tenders are now familiarizing themselves with the unmarked road systems of the communities in order to effectively implement the triage plan.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect today for gusty westerly winds that may push the fire east today. They are forecasted to last through 9 p.m. this evening.

On the northeastern flank, a handcrew is improving containment line that was constructed around a small logging deck burning near the structure. Their focus is on keeping the fire from sparking new spot fires that may threaten the structure or cause new spot fires to ignite. Along the southeastern flank, an airtanker dropped retardant to keep the fire from spreading west. Engines and hand crews are reinforcing the retardant and are working along the Green Creek Road to protect a structure and the cultural and heritage artifacts that are abundant in the Alice Creek Historic District, which includes the Road to the Buffalo and the Lewis and Clark Trail.

A Community meeting will occur at the Wolf Creek Elementary School Friday night at 7 p.m. to provide a situational update on the fire and allow the community to ask questions related to the fire activity that has occurred since Great Basin Team 5 took command of the fire Aug. 28.

With the activity occurring on and near private lands, firefighters ask the public to not impede firefighters taking suppression action in the area. Uncoordinated efforts are very dangerous to firefighters and the public as it creates a more hazardous environment for everyone.

EVACUATIONS/ PRE-EVACUATIONS: Lewis and Clark County Sheriff issued mandatory evacuations for residences in the Elk Meadows (Evergreen) subdivision and to ranches on Road 434/435 (north of Highway 200). A Pre-evacuation notice was given to residences located near Elk Meadows subdivision (about mile-marker 93) along Hwy 200 up to mile-marker 98. A Red Cross shelter is available in Helena at First Assembly of God Church (2210 Dodge Ave.) if needed. Please call 1-800-272-6668 for assistance.

ROAD CLOSURES: Lewis and Clark Co. Sheriff officers established road blocks at Elk Meadows driveway, the intersection of Hwy. 200 and Hwy. 434 and the intersection of Flat Creek Rd and Hwy. 434 to prevent unnecessary traffic from entering the fire area.

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