East Fork & Center Creek Trail Fire Update

September 24, 2020

Yesterday: Containment increased yesterday as crews continued mop up along Petty Mountain Loop. Crews made progress chipping and excavating for suppression repair along the eastern perimeter of the fire. Helicopter water drops were made near Lake Fork Mountain to moderate fire behavior. Crews monitored heat in Mackentire Draw and the lower portions of Rock Creek drainage, engaging when safe to do so. The fire is running out of burnable fuel in the northwest portion of the fire in the wilderness and West Fork Rock Creek areas. Crews continued monitoring the nearby Center Creek Trail Fire.

Today’s Operations: Crews will monitor containment lines as high winds push through the area and mop up when conditions are safe. Fire behavior is expected to be active in the Brown Duck drainage northwest of Moon Lake, west of Francis Lake and in Raspberry Draw. Suppression repair continues along the eastern fire perimeter and a feller buncher will start clearing the Dry Ridge Road.

Safety: Hunters please adhere to all closure orders and remain cognizant of fire personnel in the area. The fire is still active, hazard trees are a danger, and rockslides in burned areas can occur.

Weather: A red flag warning has been issued for high winds today, which could create challenging fire behavior for firefighters. Winds could gust to 37 mph, with sustained winds of 14-19 mph. Fuels are very dry and humidities remain low, with no relief in sight. Today will be sunny and warm, reaching temperatures in the high 70s.

Resources: 3 Helicopters, 13 Engines, 6 water tenders, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers and 2 Wildland Fire Module. Currently 246 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 9 firefighters assigned.