09/08/2012 - Daily Fire Update
Incident: Black Tail Ridge Wildfire
Released: 9/8/2012
The Black Tail Ridge Fire has been burning in the Combest Creek area on Montana Department of Natural Resources and Plum Creek Timber Company lands, approximately three air miles south of Plains, Montana. Friday, September 7th, crews were able to secure containment lines around the entire fire perimeter, resulting in 100% containment.
Although the fire is now contained, some hotspots and stump holes remain in the fire's interior and will likely continue to burn for some time. As a result, firefighters will continue to grid for hot spots, as well as perform mop up approximately 135 feet inward from the fire perimeter.
The southeastern fire perimeter has difficult terrain and heavy fuels. Crews in this area have installed water pumps in East Fork Combest Creek and set up hose lines to maintain the containment lines.
Rick Kusicko's Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team assumed command of the Black Tail Ridge Fire on Tuesday, September 4th at 6:00 a.m. and will be returning management of the fire to a local Type 3 team at 6:00 a.m. Sunday, September, 9th. Although many crews and equipment resources are being demobilized, some crews will remain assigned to the fire to continue mop up and patrol. The Incident Command Post for the fire will continue to be at the Sanders County Fairgrounds.
A high pressure system is still in the area maintaining warm temperatures, as well as the potential for inversions. However, by Sunday afternoon, a storm system is expected to move into the area producing cooler temperatures, as well as the potential for gusty winds and precipitation.
Closures: For public safety, the Lolo National Forest has closed access to several roads in the fire area, including portions of the East and West Fork of Combest Creek Road.
For more info on the Black Tail Ridge Fire: Please contact Information Officer, Jennifer Costich, at 406-826-7044.
