Single Publication

Incident Commander:  Bill Waln, Incident Commander  

Location:  10 miles southwest of Wise River, MT 

Start Date: 7/25/2024  

Cause: Undetermined 

Size: 4,166 acres  

Containment: 22% 

Resources on Site: 1 Type 2 hand crews; 1 Type 2 Initial Attack crew; 6 engines; 1 skidgens; 1 dozer 

Total Personnel:  212 

KEY MESSAGES  

Traffic along the Pioneer Scenic Byway will continue to include log and dump trucks throughout the day as they haul logs and debris from the shaded fuel breaks. Firefighters are still working along the Byway piling limbs and debris, and cleaning up the area. It’s evident everyone appreciates the work our firefighters have done to fight the Grouse Fire, and we ask that you help us keep our firefighters safe by slowing down as you drive along the Byway between Wise River and south of the Pettengill area. 

An infrared flight (IR) over the fire confirmed that this fire is not out. Areas of heat showed up on the IR map inside the fire perimeter southwest of Grouse Lakes, and inside the north and central part of the fire. Isolated hot spots remain throughout the interior of the fire. 

Current Status/PLANNED ACTIONS 

Firefighters will continue to work containment lines as they patrol the fire and mop up any hot spots. They will also continue to reinforce constructed fire lines that are yet not fully contained. 

Cleanup along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway will continue over the next several days. 

The structure protection group will haul in and package up the last of the pumps, sprinklers, hose, and other materials that were put in place around structures in the Pettengill Road area. As they work, they will return the residential areas back to their pre-fire state. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

It will be a little warmer and drier today over the fire. Temperatures will range from the low 60s to mid 70s and the humidities between 27 and 35 percent. Winds from the west this morning will shift to the northwest this afternoon from 3-8 mph in the slopes, valleys, and Wise River drainage. Wind will range from 6-10 mph with gusts up to 16 mph after noon today. A chance of thunderstorms this afternoon could bring wind gusts at 40 mph. 

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS 

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has issued an Area/Road/Trail Closure (Closure #01-02-03-24-05) effective July 31, 2024. This Order is for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts of the Grouse Fire. Closure information and maps are posted on the Forests’ website and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are in place. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbdf-grouse. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. 

The Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires are allowed only in a permanent metal fire grate/ring provided by the Forest Service in a designated, developed recreation site. Smoking is restricted to vehicles, in buildings, or in an area clear of flammable materials. Devices with an on/off switch that use LPG fuels are allowed in an area clear of flammable materials within three feet of the device.