Final Update: Sawtooth Fire Update 9/28/12
Incident: Sawtooth Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/28/2012
Fire Information - Sawtooth
Friday, September 28, 2012 9:00 AM
Phone: Contact Tod McKay @ 406-363-7100
Cause: Lightning
Detected: 8/30/2012
Location: 7 miles west southwest of Hamilton, Montana
Current size: 5,882 acres
Containment: 45%
Incident Commander: Roy Hall, Northern Rockies Type-II Wildfire Management Team
Resources: Air Support: (2) Type 1 helicopters, (1) Type 3 helicopter
Total personnel: 40
FINAL SAWTOOTH FIRE UPDATE
Situation: Roy Hall's type 2 Incident Management Team will transition the Sawtooth Fire to Russ Williams Type 4 Incident Management Team of the Bitterroot National Forest this afternoon at 4pm. This is the final fire update that will be distributed. All further written correspondence regarding the Sawtooth fire can be addressed to the gmail account. For phone contact, call Tod McKay at the Bitterroot National Forest Public Affairs Officer, 363-7100.
The incident will continue to operate with 2 heavy helicopters providing water drops over remote sections of the fire burning along Sawtooth Canyon's South Ridge on a day to day basis, depending on fire behavior. Rehab of the remaining hand and dozer lines will continue for today's operation.
Air Quality: Unhealthy - Fire operations continue under smoke from numerous fires in the Idaho area, including Mustang, Powell and the Porcupine Complex. The air quality in downtown Hamilton has improved from readings registered earlier in the week. Today's measurement is rated moderate. For updated smoke particulate measurement visit Montana air quality online at http://tinyurl.com/9n9am7l
Weather/Fire Behavior: A warming trend over the area will continue building through Tuesday. Smoldering and creeping fire behavior with areas of open surface fire is expected on the west flank within Sawtooth Creek and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
Management Actions: Continue suppression rehab efforts, mop-up, patrol, and monitor all fire lines. Continue bucket work on pre-identified priorities through Infra-Red technology.
Evacuations and Closures: Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail #124, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are closed.
For more information on these or other wildland fires, and related information visit:
www.inciweb.org http://tinyurl.com/9n9am7l sawtoothfire@gmail.com
