Sawtooth Fire 45% Contained
Incident: Sawtooth Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/21/2012
Firefighters have contained fire lines along the eastern, northeastern and southeastern portions of the Sawtooth fire. The fire activity consists of smoldering and creeping, with areas of open surface fire and isolated torching of fuels on the west flank moving into the wilderness. The fire is now 45% contained and firefighters continue to build line in Sawtooth Creek drainage to limit any spread. Helicopters will be available to control any hotspots or flare-ups on the fire with water bucket drops.
Meteorologists predict another day of stable weather and unseasonably warm temperatures. Maximum temperature will be 78-85F, with fire activity picking up as the inversion breaks. These stable air conditions will aid firefighters, but smoke from numerous fires in the region will continue to linger in the valley.
Greg Poncin's Northern Rockies National Incident Management Team will transfer command of the Sawtooth Fire to Roy Hall's Incident Management Team at 6:00 p.m. tonight.
Today, several fire crews and engines will travel home for rest or move onto other wildland fires that are actively burning in other areas of the country. Fire camp, located on Westside Road, will also downsize with many of the large logistical support functions leaving the fire. The Firewise trailer located south of Hamilton on Highway 93 will no longer be staffed for information updates, but a bulletin board will remain with information posted daily.
