Antelope Fire Update, June 24, 2012, AM
Incident: Antelope Lane Wildfire
Released: 6/24/2012
Firefighters continue to work to contain the Antelope fire north of Whitehall. The fire located approximately 10 miles north of Whitehall in the Bull Mountains is approximately 462 acres. It is burning on privately owned and Forest Service lands near Potter and Dearborn Canyons and is burning in Douglas fir, juniper and grass in a north eastern direction.
Firefighters are planning to continue to establish and improve firelines along the south flank of the fire and monitor the northern flank as a red flag warning has been issued for today for high winds and low humidity.
Currently the fire is being managed by both Jefferson County and the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Thirty firefighters plus four fire engines and two helicopters are on scene and more firefighting resources are ordered and on their way to the fire. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
"It's really dry for this time of year," commented Jefferson Ranger District Fire Management Officer Kevin Smith, "we typically see these types of fuel conditions in late July." As hot windy conditions prevail people are advised to be cautious with fire, and to avoid driving Whitetail road north of Whitehall in order to avoid getting in the way of firefighting equipment.
Firefighters from the Forest Service, Boulder and Whitehall Volunteer Fire Departments, and the Montana DNRC are assisting in the management of this fire.
