Incident: Middle Fork
Released: 7/2/2007
This will be the last news release unless the fire takes off. Any questions after Tuesday, July 3 should be directed to the Judith Ranger District at 406-566-2292.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: July 2, 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: 50% 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 line around much of the fire. However the perimeter remains hot, even where not obvious to the eye. A minor thunder storm came through last night, dropping about .04 inches of rain. Fire behavior today has been characterized by a few hot spots within the perimeter and no changes to the fire perimeter.
Today's Operations: There was a 15 person BLM crew working the perimeter of the fire and one helicopter providing support.
Tomorrow's Operations: The BLM crew will be released this evening. Personnel on the fire tomorrow will be one helicopter. The helicopter support crew will do some hand work on the line as needed.
Equipment on Fire: One Type 3 (light) helicopter.
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: The temperature was 80 today with relative humidity at 15 percent and light winds. A storm moved through the area bringing some rain last night. Thunderstorms with gusty winds are possible the next few days. Temperatures should increase and RH decrease into the week.
Fire Analysis and Long Range Plan: The fire has remained within its current perimeter for several days. Due to topography, weather and fuel conditions, the fire is anticipated to continue to burn well into the summer. A long range plan has been developed with 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. With the current situation, there is a good probability that the fire will not expand beyond its present size.
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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