Middle Fork Fire Information
Incident: Middle Fork Wildland Fire
Released: 6/26/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: June 26, 2007
Contact: Erin Fryer Phone: 406-740-7005
Fire Name: Middle Fork Fire Start: June 21, 2007
Cause: Lightning Total Acres: 1,077 acres
Percent Containment: 15% Percent Control: 0%
Fire History: The Middle Fork Fire started on June 21, 2007 and was 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. High winds late yesterday afternoon caused the fire to "flare-up" late yesterday afternoon. Crews working in the area of the flare-up were able to respond quickly and button-up the spot fire. The Lewis and Clark hotshots, a Type 1 fire crew, arrived late yesterday evening, as did an additional Type 2 helicopter. Long-term fire management planning efforts got under way yesterday morning and will continue for the next few days.
Today's Operations: Firefighters are working today to secure the north, east and southeast flanks of the fire. Additional personnel will work on hot spots near the fire's edge. The Type 3 helicopter is supporting the firefighters logistically, transporting crews and supplies; while the Type 2 helicopter will be concentrating on supporting the Lewis and Clark hotshot crew with bucket drops.
Personnel on Fire: There are approximately 75 persons on the fire, including one Type 2 crew (20 persons), one Type 1 (20 persons) hotshot crew, one 6 person smoke jumper crew, one 6 person helicopter module, and various other support personnel.
Equipment on Fire: One Type 3 helicopter, one Type 2 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: Normal temperatures, 57 to 62 degrees, are expected in the fire area today. Skies should be clear with a zero percent chance of showers. Relative humidity is expected to range from 23 to 29 percent a decrease from yesterday's humidity levels. Winds will be out of the west from 5 to 15 miles per hour in the lower elevations and out of the southwest from 10 to 15 miles per hour on the ridge tops. Partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms are expected the rest of the week.
Special Remarks: Remember fireworks are prohibited on the National Forest System lands. As you and your family are out recreating and/or camping do not leave any campfires unattended. When leaving your campsite remember to use your shovel and bucket to completely put out your campfire.
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