Elder 1 Fire Near Frenchtown Reaches 44% Containment After Lines Fully Encircle Blaze

Overview

• The lightning‑caused Elder 1 Fire started July 24 in Rock Creek and is now mapped at about 1,234 acres with containment reported at 44 percent.
• Fire crews have established control lines around the entire perimeter and have shifted tactics from building line to aggressive mop‑up, patrolling and holding hot spots.
• Incident leadership has scaled resources up, reporting roughly 319 personnel with hand crews, engines, helicopters, dozers, water tenders and skidgens supporting suppression and water delivery in rough terrain.
• Westerly winds and a recent Red Flag Warning that forecast gusts up to 25–40 mph drove earlier tactical decisions to reinforce lines and carry out firing operations along ridgelines.
• Area and road closures plus a Temporary Flight Restriction remain in effect for public and responder safety while structure‑protection teams continue assessing values at risk and officials warn that unauthorized drones endanger air operations.