Still Much Work to be Completed on The Millie Fire
Incident: Millie Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/21/2012
Bozeman, MT... The Millie Fire, burning on the Gallatin National Forest twenty miles south of Bozeman, is 10,465 acres and is 75 percent contained.
The Millie Fire gained approximately 40 acres yesterday as the fire slowly progressed downslope toward the creek bottom in the east fork of the South Cottonwood drainage. The additional fire activity removed unburned vegetation between the active fire and a network of hose where firefighters plan to contain the fire.
Crews are working diligently to hold the fire in the most active area of the fire perimeter. "Everyday we have new challenges", said Incident Commander Trainee, Jim Gunning, when referring to the harsh terrain firefighters continue to tackle on the Millie fire. Nearly 90 firefighters are stationed in three remote camps and are working to construct and reinforce fireline in the South Cottonwood drainage.
A strengthening inversion has affected the fire by increasing fire activity during the evening hours and trapping smoke in fire area overnight. Weather conditions on Friday are expected to be similar to past few days before switching to warmer, dryer weather this weekend. Smoke will linger in the lower elevations with light winds from the north over the next few days. Smoke drifting in from fires in Idaho and nearby areas is still expected.
As a reminder, the vegetation is still very dry and fire season is not over, yet. Visitors to the Gallatin National Forest should be reminded to use Forest Service metal fire rings for campfires and charcoal fires, stove fires are prohibited within tents, and smoking outside of vehicles, buildings, and developed recreational sites is prohibited. Use caution during daily activities such as driving on grass or when using power tools that might emit a spark. Plan ahead to prevent the start of an unwanted fire. Only you can prevent a wildfire!
For more information, please contact the Millie Fire Information line at (406) 522-2537 and online at www.inciweb.org or search NRCG South Central Zone on Facebook.
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