Mustang Complex fire now 45 percent contained

Hotter and drier weather could increase activity on the Mustang Complex forest fire today, but forecasters predict predominant northwest winds will cause the fire to burn back on itself.

The 339,110 acre fire is now 45 percent contained. Hotter and drier weather could increase activity on the Mustang Complex forest fire today, but forecasters predict predominant northwest winds will cause the fire to burn back on itself.

Evacuation orders for the Hughes Creek and Alta Creek roads, on the Montana side of the fireline were to be lifted at 6 pm Monday.

A local Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) team has begun to assess rehabilitation needs along the Salmon River corridor and a regional team will begin assessing the entire fire area later this week.

Forest officials said rehabilitation work is now complete on the Salmon-Challis National Forest and will be complete on the Bitteroot Forest within the next few days.

341firefighters including four hand crews, 13 engines, 8 water tenders, one dozer, and 3 helicopters continue to work the Mustang Complex fire.