Pattengail Creek Fire Update 8/14
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/14/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joe Colwell, Information
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 Phone: 406-832-3178 (x211)
Total Acres: 5,200
Cause: Lightening
Containment: 20% Fire Start: July 13, 2007
Location: Fire start was 11 miles southwest of Wise River, in the west Pioneer Mountains, about 40 miles southwest of Butte, MT
Because of the heavy smoke inversion in the entire area Monday, there were no aerial observations or heavy suppression activities on the Pattengail fire. Fire officials decided it was too dangerous to try to fly with such limited visibility. There were active crown runs on the fire, with some spotting due to the winds. There was active backing on areas burned along the fire perimeter on Sunday.
The smoke that filled the Big Hole Valley originated from large fires in Idaho as well as the local fires. An inversion coupled with the significant smoke in the lower atmosphere made visibility very low. Similar conditions are expected today.
Kraage's Type II incident management team from northern California, who arrived from the Tin Cup fire on the Bitterroot National Forest, will take over management of the Rat Creek and Pattengail fires tomorrow morning. The transition from the local managers to this team will occur today.
Tie Creek Road remains closed due to the heavy equipment being used in the area to construct a contingency line. Additional equipment has been ordered to speed the construction. Structure protection measures are continuing.
Weather: The forecast is still for active burning conditions due to winds, high temperatures and low humidity. There will still be some visibility problems due to smoke.
Public Meeting: The next public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 15, at the Wise River Community Center, at 7:30 PM. .
Fire Restrictions and Closures: Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place on public lands in southwest Montana. Tie Creek road is closed due to construction of a contingency line. 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.
