09/09/2012 - Daily Fire Update
Incident: Black Tail Ridge Wildfire
Released: 9/9/2012
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. Consequently, Rick Kusicko's Type 2 Incident Management Team will be demobilizing and returning management of the fire back to the local Type 3 team at 6:00 a.m. Sunday, September 9th.
Although the fire is now contained, 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, mop up at least 135 feet inward from the fire perimeter, and patrol along containment lines for some time.
Special Announcements: Beginning 6:00 a.m. September 9th, the Lolo National Forest road closure order (for East Fork and West Fork Combest Creek Roads) has been rescinded. However, due to significant fire traffic in the area, users are asked to avoid roads in the fire area, use caution when traveling the East and West Forks of Combest Creek Roads, and YIELD TO ALL FIRE-RELATED TRAFFIC. The Temporary Flight Restriction around the fire area has also been lifted.
For more info on the Black Tail Ridge Fire: This will be the last fire update for the Black Tail Ridge Fire unless fire activity increases significantly. If you have questions or concerns regarding this fire, please contact Shawna Owens at the Plains DNRC office, 406-826-3851.
