Harley Creek Fire Fact Sheet
Incident: Harley Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 7/27/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: July 27, 2008
Contact: Erin Fryer Phone: 406-366-5900 or 406-236-5511
Fire Name: Harley Creek Fire Start: July 26, 2008
Cause: Lightning Total Acres: 147 acres
Fire History: The Harley Creek Fire is located two to two and a half miles west of Neihart, Montana on the Belt Creek Ranger District of the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The fire, which was spotted on July 26, is estimated to have reached 147 acres. Crews worked along the north perimeter of the fire yesterday to clear fireline. The crew's efforts were supported by helicopters performing bucket work, as well as several air tankers and an air attack plane dropping retardant.
Today's Operations: Hand crews will begin building fireline along the northwestern corner of the fire and working to the southwestern perimeter into the Harley Creek drainage. Two dozers have been called in to assist firefighters in building fireline along the northern flank. All firefighting efforts will be supported by air resources consisting of three helicopters, three heavy air tankers and an air attack plane.
Personnel on Fire: There are approximately 120 firefighters on the incident at this time. These crews include 3 Type 2 hand crews, a helitack module, and various support personnel.
Equipment on Fire: Two dozers, one Type 3 helicopter, two Type 2 helicopters, two heavy air tankers and one air attack plane.
Closures: For public and firefighter safety the Belt Creek Ranger District has implemented the following Temporary Road Closures. Forest road 839 is closed from its junction with Forest road 6378 north; Forest roads 839 and 253 are closed from Iron Mines Park south; Belt Park road is closed from its junction with Harley Creek Road/ Forest road 834; Harley Creek Road/ Forest road 834 is closed in its entirety; Forest road 586 is closed from Onion Park north.
Fire Weather: Today's fire weather is calling for mostly sunny skies, with a chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures should range from 78 to 83 degrees. Relative humidity levels are expected to range from between 16 and 21 percent. Winds should be light from the west at 5 to 10 miles per hour.
Special Remarks: As temperatures are rising the forest is beginning to dry out quickly. Please be careful while recreating and remember to completely extinguish all campfires.
Folks can also check out the Inciweb site at http://www.inciweb.org/ for more information.
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