Dahl Fire Update - July 3rd 8 AM
Incident: Dahl Fire Wildfire
Released: 7/3/2012
Dahl Fire Update
This will be the last update from fire information concerning the Dahl and Hawk Creek fires.
For fire information, please contact Musselshell DES at 406-323-2777.
Contact: Musselshell County DES Phone: 406-323-2777
July 3, 2012 8:00 a.m. FIRE NAME: Dahl FireDATE OF DETECTION: June 26, 2012CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 22,045 acres CONTAINMENT: 95%EXPECTED CONTAINMENT: July 4, 2012LOCATION: 12 miles southeast of Roundup, Montana AGENCY: Montana Department of Natural ResourcesFIRE MANAGEMENT TEAM: Chris Johnson, Incident CommanderYESTERDAY'S ACTIVITY: A strong contingent of engines attacked hot spots on the fire, working toward final containment of the Dahl Fire. A coal seam fire was detected along the northern edge near Highway 87. A specialist from the Signal Peak coal mine worked with the fire team and DES to determine a plan of action to deal with the situation. The updated structural assessment reports 223 structures lost, including 73 residences and 150 other buildings. The Hawk Creek fire is now 100% contained and remains at 1540 acres. PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: There are 60 fire personnel assigned. One helicopter, 1 skidgine, 1 water tender, 11 engines, and 1 20-person crew remain. Demobilization of excess resources continues. TODAY'S ACTIVITY: Crews and engines will continue to patrol and mop-up hot spots on both fires. Rehabilitation of fire lines will begin soon. Resources will be available to attack new fire starts in the area. Officials will approve a plan for managing the coal seam fire. Road guards are still in place. Fire camp will be relocated to Billings.SPECIAL CONCERNS: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect from noon today to midnight for low relative humidity, hot temperatures, strong gusty winds and a windshift with the passage of a cold front. Winds could gust up to 35 mph tonight.CLOSURES: The temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the fire area remains in effect beyond the fire perimeter and 10,000 feet above the fire in order to safeguard aerial operations. Fireworks are prohibited in Musselshell County and in the city of Roundup. The county is under Stage II fire restrictions. SPECIAL MESSAGES: The 35 mph speed limit on Highway 87 has been lifted. Travelers are urged to use caution, as fire vehicles will be entering and exiting the roadway within the fire area. The voluntary evacuation order has been lifted, but access is still limited to residents only. For the latest closure details and fire information, call Musselshell County DES @ 323-2777.
