CASPER, Wyo. — The Roberston Draw Fire located about ten miles south of Red Lodge near the Montana-Wyoming border remains 0% contained and has grown to 24,273 acres, according to a Thursday morning update from fire managers.
The fire was still active along some of the northern edge and in timbered areas south of Mount Maurice. Incident command for the fire is Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4 led by Incident Commander Brian Jenkins. The team assumed command Wednesday evening.
On Wednesday, more moderate weather conditions allowed fire crew to work on the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern sides of the fire: “Crews and equipment worked to tie in dozer lines to burned areas that had cooled down in the range land grass areas.”
Air tanker water and retardant drops were conduct on the northwest side of Mount Maurice and on the south side to check spread.
“Additional firefighting crews and equipment arrived and Operations personnel from the incoming team worked closely with the local firefighters to increase their situational awareness and start developing firefighting plans for the next several days,” the update adds. “On the south side of the fire crews will continue to look for opportunities to build fire line. On the northwest side of the fire near Mt. Maurice the Division Supervisor and operations personnel will begin scouting the fire area and develop a strategy for suppression. “
“Fire crews will work along the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern sides of the fire to continue to tie in fire lines where needed, mop up pockets of heat and any areas of fire located around private structures.”
A high-pressure weather system is expected to cause warm, dry conditions with temperatures between 69-79 degrees Thursday. Humidity levels are expected to be 20-25%.
“Winds will be north at 8 to 14 mph becoming erratic in the afternoon due to ridgetop winds from the west to southwest,” the update adds.
Evacuation orders are in effect in the following areas:
- North and South Grove Creek
- Gold Creek
- Ruby Creek
- Robertson Draw east to Highway 72
- Evacuations as a part of the Forest Closure Order include the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek.
“If residents in areas still under evacuation orders need to return to their homes briefly, they may contact the Sheriff’s Office to make arrangement for a Deputy Sheriff escort,” the update adds. “All area residents are recommended to have a household evacuation plan ready. Please remain vigilant and be aware of the situation and your surroundings.”
Closures include:
- All Custer Gallatin National Forest System lands south of Point of Rocks in the Rock Creek drainage: This includes trailheads, campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and the USDA Forest Service Recreation Residences in Corral Creek, Spring Creek, Snow Creek, and Sheep Creek.
- Closure Area encompassing the Line Creek Plateau.
- The Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212) remains open
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): The current TFR in place for air space over the Robertson Draw Fire (FDC 1/3808) will lesson impacts to local aviation operators. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
