Critical Fire Potential Today
Incident: Sawtooth Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/14/2012
Firefighters are preparing for a critical fire weather day, with a red flag warning in effect over the fire area from noon until midnight today. Plans today call for continued structure protection and mop-up along the eastern edge of the fire. Firefighters will also continue efforts to keep the fire from advancing to the south, confining it to the ridge north of the Roaring Lion Creek drainage.
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: There are approximately 477 personnel assigned, including 11 crews, 30 engines, 11 water tenders, 5 dozers, and 5 helicopters.
SPECIAL CONCERNS: The red flag warning for gusty winds and extremely low relative humidity will result in an active burning day on the Sawtooth Fire.
EVACUATIONS & CLOSURES: Yesterday, the Ravalli County Sheriff's office expanded the Stage 1 evacuation notice for additional areas north east of the fire. The area includes all residents east of the intersection of Blodgett Camp Road and Canyon Creek Road to West Hills Way, including all roads that intersect West Hills Way and north to Blodgett Creek. This includes all homes on Hilltop Drive, Tawny View and all other roads intersecting West Hills Way. Also included are the homes west of the intersection of Blodgett View Drive and Black Forest Drive, and the homes west of the intersection of Elk Ridge Road and Conifer Trail.
For information on evacuations, contact the Ravalli County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at (406) 375-6650.
Sawtooth Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail 124, Ward Mountain Trail #208, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are closed due to fire activity. Blodgett Campground is also closed.
