Custer Gallatin National Forest has released more information on the Robertson Draw Fire, which has consumed 200 acres and will likely grow larger this week.
On Monday, June 14, Custer Gallatin National Forest released its first official report on the Robertson Draw Fire. An InciWeb page is also active for the incident.
According to the official report, the fire was first reported on Sunday, June 13, at 3:30 p.m. Its size was initially estimated at 40 acres. The exact location is 12 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana, and eight miles north of Clark, WY.
As of Tuesday, June 15, the fire has more than doubled in size to 200 acres.
Bob Culbreth, Type 3 Incident Commander, is coordinating the efforts to quell the blaze. Resources currently on-site include:
- 80 personnel
- Type 2 Veterans Crew
- Pilot Peak Wildland Fire Module from Cody
- Two Red Lodge Fire Department Engines
- One engine from the Beartooth Ranger District.
Two helicopters, an air attack, and air tankers have been ordered. They will likely arrive for assistance within the week.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation. According to InciWeb, the fire is burning through sage, grass, and timber as its primary fuel. As of June 14, no structures are threatened.
Evacuations began Monday, with the drainages of Ruby Creek and Gold Creek in Carbon County, Montana evacuated with Grove Creek, Montana, on standby. Evacuation orders were lifted at 7 p.m. Monday evening.
An area closure is in place for the area south of Highway 212, east to the area along the Beartooth Front, and south to the Wyoming border. This does not include the campgrounds and homes along East Side Road.
Unfortunately, the week’s weather means the Robertson Draw Fire will worsen before it gets better.
“Hot, dry, and windy weather conditions are anticipated today, the InciWeb incident page reads. “Temperatures could reach up to 85 degrees with 10 to 15 mile per hour winds. Firefighters are anticipating additional growth given the weather conditions.”
Shoshone National Forest has implemented a temporary closure of the Line Creek Road to all motorized vehicles. This road extends to the Wyoming/Montana state line, dangerously close to the Robertson Creek Fire.
The Wyoming Wildfire Map currently ranks the fire’s growth potential as High-Extreme. The determination is based on the fires’ size and current weather conditions.
