Sucker Creek Fire Update 8-21-15 9:30am

The Sucker Creek Fire continues to burn on 2740 acres, 6 miles northeast of Lincoln, on the Helena National Forest. Movement continues to be away from town, toward the 2003 Snow Talon Fire burn scar. The fire is 25% contained.

Weather: The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning today from 11:00 a.m. to Midnight for strong winds with gusts up to 40 m.p.h. We can expect to see an increase in fire behavior as a result of the weather.

Containment Activity: All planned burnout operations around the perimeter of the main fire have been completed as of yesterday 8/20. Crews will concentrate on monitoring the fire edge and mopping up any remaining heat.

Several dead standing trees have been observed falling in the old 37,000 acre Snow Talon burn. Due to the concern for firefighter safety, aggressive fire suppression tactics will not be applied to this section of the fire. “Fire creeping into the old burn does not pose an immediate threat to fire spread. We are taking a more detailed look at our tactical options for that area” said Deputy Incident Commander Alan Sinclair.

Rehabilitation efforts have begun along 3 ½ miles of Copper Creek Road. Three chippers and an excavator will be removing the brush and branches that were cut to create the fire breaks.

Evacuations: Mandatory evacuations remain in effect on west side of Landers Fork and east side of Landers Fork at Elk Trail Park. Evacuations and closures will be lifted as soon as possible when the fire is contained and the areas are safe to reoccupy.

Road Closures: Portions of Sucker Creek Road, North Fork Keep Cool Road, Copper Creek Road. Alice Creek Road reopened on Monday. However, for public and firefighter safety, citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel in the Alice Creek area.

Trail and Area Closures: Snowbank Trail area and forest surrounding Sucker Creek Fire area.