Third Day of Continual Red Flag Weather Tests Containment
Incident: Millie Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/11/2012
Bozeman, MT - The Millie Fire, burning on the Gallatin National Forest twenty miles south of Bozeman, is 45 percent contained and remains at 10,205 acres.
Although the area is currently experiencing cooler weather, firefighters still anticipate a challenge. "We're still under a Red Flag warning for today with high winds and low relative humidity, ... a column of smoke is likely to be visible in the local area today." said National Weather Service Incident Meteorologist, Ken Simosko.
Firefighters continue to secure existing containment lines and work to eliminate heat sources in the Big Bear and Cottonwood areas on the north and along the southeastern flank of the fire.
As winds allow the five helicopters will work to cool heat in the top of the Cottonwood drainage.
A Burned Area Emergency Response Team continues to survey fire damage, making plans to stabilize severely burned areas. Some parts of the fire burned intensely and some streams may see erosion and run-off altering stream biology for a time until slopes grow new vegetation.
The Millie Fire is still dangerous and has potential to spread. Therefore the Millie Fire Area Closure remains in effect until it is safe for the public to re-enter the area.
The Sourdough Canyon Trail near Bozeman Creek is open to the public on the north side of the fire. Additional nearby recreational areas to visit include; Bang Tail Trail, Chestnut Mountain, Bear Canyon, Bridger Mountains, Crazy Mountains, and the Absaroka-Beartooth.
A Fire Information Meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 W. Graf St., in Bozeman. For more information, please call (877)405-0033 or (877)390-4323.
