Incident: Middle Fork
Released: 7/1/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: July 1, 2007
Contact: Douglas Dodge Phone: 406-632-4391
(cell) 799-3612
Fire Name: Middle Fork Fire Start: June 21, 2007
Cause: Lightning Total Acres: 1,146 acres
Percent Containment: 35% Percent Control: 0%
Fire History: The Middle Fork Fire started on June 21, 2007 and was caused by 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. Fire crews have put some line around most of the fire. However the entire perimeter remains hot, even where not obvious to the eye. A minor thunder storm came through last night, dropping about .11 inches of rain and resulting in lower temperatures and higher relative humidity levels today. Fire behavior today has been characterized by a few hot spots within the perimeter and no changes to the fire perimeter.
Today's Operations: Crews continued to work on the perimeter of the fire. There were 10 person crews on the west, east and south divisions and a 25 person crew on the north. The crew along the south perimeter was mopping up using a hose lay, drafting from the river. Helicopters flew in water to the other parts of the perimeter so the crews could use bladder bags to mop up.
Tomorrow's Operations: Crews will continue as today.
Personnel on Fire: There have been approximately 65 persons on the fire, including two Type 2 crews (20 persons), two helicopter modules, and various other support personnel. Monday, we will release the two Type 2 crews (LCNF and Rocky Boy) unless something unexpected happens tonight.
Equipment on Fire: Two Type 3 (light) helicopters. One will be on days off tomorrow. When it returns on Tuesday, the other helicopter will be released from the fire.
Closures: Closures remain the same.
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: Temperatures were in the low 70's today with relative humidity at 22 percent and light winds. A storm moved through the area bringing some rain last night. Thunderstorms with gusty winds are possible this afternoon and evening. Temperatures should increase and RH decrease Monday and into next week.
Fire Analysis and Long Range Plan: Due to topography, weather and fuel conditions, the fire is anticipated to continue to burn well into the summer. A long range planning team has put together a plan to deal with the fire through the summer. With the current situation, there is a good probability that the fire will not expand beyond its present size. The long range plan has several recommendations, among which is to take aggressive action to cool down any flare up that may occur due to the high temperatures and low humidity. Additionally, there are several action points that have been identified with recommended management actions to occur should the fire burn to or across those points and depending upon fire behavior at that time.
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.
