Pony Fire Update - July 8, 2012
Incident: Pony Fire Wildfire
Released: 7/8/2012
FINAL UPDATE
Current Size: 5,157 acres (due to better Mapping)
Containment: 85%
Structures Lost: 2 residences; 5 outbuildings, including 1 bridge.
Status: The fire is burning in timber/grass fuels in the Tobacco Root Mountains. The fire area has cooled although there is still creeping ground fire and smoldering fuels on the west flank above the community of Mammoth and along the north flank of the fire. The north, east, and south perimeters of the fire have cooled with little fire activity occurring.
Residents in the Mammoth and South Boulder River area are being allowed re-entry into their homes today. Tomorrow, Monday, the South Boulder River Road will be open to the public. However, the Forest Service asks that road use be limited to local traffic only because of the firefighter and equipment activity continuing along the road.
Monday morning, July 9th, fire suppression responsibilities will be transferred to a smaller Type III incident management team, made up of more local resources. Harold Gemmell will be the Incident Commander for this smaller management team. They will continue with the mop-up and patrol responsibilities.
This is the final daily update. The Jefferson Ranger District will continue to keep the community apprised of developing activity. Refer your question to the Ranger District Office in Whitehall 406 287-3223.
Yesterday's Activities: Firefighters focused their efforts on securing the containment lines on the west and north portions of the fire increasing the distance from the line to hot fuels. Crews also worked on rehabilitating dozer lines where it is necessary for soil protection.
Current Resources: Five 20-person crews, nine engines, two water tenders and six helicopters. Total personnel: 259.
Today's Activities: Crews continued with mop-up with particular efforts on the west and north flanks of the fire where hot spots are still present.
Restrictions/Closures: The closure order issued by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest prohibiting use of National Forest System roads and trails that access the Pony Fire area is still in effect. Refer to the closure order posted on www.inciweb.org for detailed information. In addition, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect surrounding the Pony Fire area. The Forest Supervisor will rescind the order when it is safe to do so.
On June 29, 2012, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions due to high fire danger and ongoing fire activity. The prohibitions relate to campfires and smoking on National Forest System lands in the area. However, the Pintler and Wisdom Ranger Districts along with the Lee Metcalf and Anaconda Pintler Wilderness areas are exempt from this order. View details at: http://fs.usda.gov/goto/bdnf/news
Special Announcements: Madison County Crimestoppers is requesting information regarding the cause of the Pony Fire. Please call 1-877-662-7631 (1-877-NOCRME1), you may remain anonymous and qualify for a reward.
