Pattengail Creek Fire Update, August 3, 2007
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/3/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Susan Zornek-Stevens, Information
Date: Thursday, August 2, 2007 Phone: 406-832-3178 (Wise River District)
Fire Start: July 13, 2007 Cause: Lightning
Total Acres: 3502 acres Containment: 25%
Location: 11 miles southwest of Wise River, in the west Pioneer Mountains, about 40 miles southwest of Butte, MT
The Pattengail Creek Fire activity increased this afternoon. It made two runs in the Northeast and crossed Reservoir Creek. The fire has been moving in the crowns of trees, and is within 1 ½ miles of Management Action Point (MAP) 9 and ½ mile from MAP6. There is a major rocky ridge near the head of the new activity, and plans are to use a heavy helicopter from Salmon Idaho, tomorrow, to try and hinder the fires progression.
The Long Term Management Plan developed for the Pattengail Creek Fire calls for an evaluation of tactical options when the fire reaches one of the Management Action Points (MAP). The team is evaluating the situation and resources will be ordered as needed.
Weather: A weak cold front passed through the area this afternoon, bringing a more westerly to southwesterly wind direction with gusts. A drier and somewhat cooler air mass will enter the area tomorrow. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, but with the entering drier air, expect humidity to remain similar to those experienced today. Showers and thundershowers will once again form tomorrow afternoon, as the atmosphere destabilizes. Little precipitation is expected from these storms. Maximum temperatures tomorrow will be from 74-79. Humidity will range from 16-21 %. Wind gusts will be from 5-10 MPH.
Public Meeting: The next meeting will be at the Wise River Community Center, tomorrow, August 4th, at 7:30 PM. Topics will include a talk on the Western Spruce Budworm and the Pine Bark Beetles, a presentation on propane and gasoline tank safety in regards to fire, and Joe Hickey will talk about Thermo-Gel and house shingle fire proofing.
Fire Restrictions and Closures: Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place on public lands in southwest Montana. For public safety, the north end of the west Pioneer Mountains has an Area Closure.
Check http://www.inciweb.org/ or www.fs.fed.us/r1/bdnf/ for more detailed information.
