DUNCAN ADAMS
MIKE SMITH
The Alder Creek Fire west of Wise River became a Type 1 wildland fire this week based on its complexity and potential to become a large fire and threaten structures.
Its likelihood to expand comes during a time when resources across the West for fighting wildfires are thinner than a sapling lodgepole.
The Southern Area Blue Team, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, assumed control Tuesday of the Alder Creek and Trail Creek fires.
Todd Schroeder, a public information officer for the Southern Area Blue Team, was in Wise River Wednesday morning. He said the Alder Creek fireâs complexity reflects a host of factors.