Middle Fork Fire Information
Incident: Middle Fork Wildland Fire
Released: 6/24/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: June 24, 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 Percent Control: 0 percent
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 (secondary homes and commercial property) to the west. The rise in relative humidity levels and a change in fuel types on the fire slowed the fire's progress significantly yesterday. The fire has not increased in sized since the afternoon of June 23rd.
Today's Operations: Firefighters will continue to work at securing the western and southwestern flanks of the fire perimeter. The Blasting team will be in setting up and plan on blasting fireline on the western flank of the fire this afternoon. The Type 3 helicopter will continue to assist in the firefighting efforts, slinging in blasting supplies and personnel, as well as monitoring the remainder of the fire perimeter.
Personnel on Fire: There are now approximately 65 personnel working on the fire, including one Type 2 (20 person hand crew), one 6 person blasting team, one 6 person helicopter module, and various other support personnel.
Equipment on Fire: One Type 3 helicopter, and two fire 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 Roads #6527, #6529, #6530, #6531. For more detailed information on the emergency trail closures please call the Judith Ranger District Office at 406-566-2292.
Fire Weather: Scattered showers are expected this morning with a hazardous weather watch expected this afternoon. This hazardous weather watch is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms, heavy damaging winds and possible hail. This weather system could hinder firefighting efforts today. Relative humidity levels are expected to range from 32 to 42 percent and should increase again on Monday.
Special Remarks: Conditions on the National Forest lands are 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 holiday weekend approaches be advised fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands.
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