Middle Fork Fire Information
Incident: Middle Fork Wildland Fire
Released: 6/23/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: June 23, 2007
Contact: Erin Fryer Phone: 406-740-7005
Fire Name: Middle Fork Fire Start: June 21, 2007
Cause: Unknown Total Acres: 1,062 acres
Percent Containment: 0% Percent Control: 0%
Fire History: The Middle Fork Fire started on June 21, 2007 and is believed to be caused from a lightning storm that traveled through the area on the evening of June 20th. The fire is located just east of the Three Mile Fence, and north of the Middle Fork Road in the Middle Fork Judith Wilderness Study Area. Hot temperatures and low relative humidity levels made suppression efforts difficult Friday. Although the fire is moving to the east and northeast the fire is threatening six structures on private land to the west.
Today's Operations: Due to the steep rough terrain of the fire, a combination of direct and indirect suppression efforts will be used. Firefighters will concentrate on securing the west and southwest flanks of the fire to prevent possible spread to the west. Fire Line Explosives will also be used to secure portions of the west flank that are a risk to firefighter safety. Aircraft on the fire will continue with bucket drops as well as actively monitoring the remainder of the fire perimeter.
Personnel on Fire: There are approximately 60 persons on the fire, including one Type 2 crew (20 persons), one 6 person blasting team, one 6 person helicopter module, and various other support personnel.
Equipment on Fire: One Type 3 helicopter, and two engines.
Closures: The Judith Ranger District of the Lewis and Clark National Forest has temporarily closed the Woodchopper Trail, #444, from Suicide Flats to Yogo Peak; the Main Middle Fork Trail, #825, from Suicide Flats to the private land; and the Morris Creek Trail, #435, from the trailhead to the intersection with the Woodchopper Trail. Other closures include Forest Road #6527, #6529, #6530, #6531. For more detailed information on emergency trail closure please call the Judith Ranger District Office at 406-566-2292.
Fire Weather: Today is expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid 70's to mid 80's. Winds will be out to the northwest from 5 to 15 miles per hour in the lower elevations and out of the west from 5 to 15 miles per hour on the ridge tops. Relative humidity levels will be up from yesterday, ranging from 24 to 31 percent. A slight chance of showers and thundershowers should raise relative humidity levels on Sunday, possibly adding firefighting efforts.
Special Remarks: Conditions on the National Forest System lands are extremely dry right now. When out recreating on the public lands, please be extra careful. If you are camping take extra care to make sure any campfires are completely out. Also as the July 4th holiday approaches remember there are no fireworks allowed on the National Forest.
###
