Pattengail Creek Fire Update, 8/19/07
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/19/2007
Location: 10 miles northeast of Wisdom, and 11 miles southwest of Wise River, Montana
Date and Time of Fire Start: July 13, 2007
Cause: Lightning Injuries to Date: 2
Fuels: Timber (Lodgepole pine, Sub-alpine fir)
Cooperating Agencies: Beaverhead County, Anaconda-Deerlodge County, Butte-Silver Bow County, BLM, Montana DNRC, Montana DOT, Forest Service (USFS), and local government
Estimated Fire Size: 11,788 Acres
Estimated Fire Containment: 15%
Estimated Expected Containment: Unknown
Committed Resources: 66 total personnel that includes 1 Crew, 1 Dozer, 1 Water Tender, a shared Helicopter, and fire support personnel
Structures Threatened: 12 including structures along Highway 43 on the west side of the fire in the area of Doolittle Creek and Squaw Creek
Fire Activity: The fire was not very active on Saturday due to the lower temperatures and higher humidity. The forecasted Red Flag Warnings did not produce increased fire intensity. Instead, the fire smoldered, backed into the wind, and creeped through the understory. Only an occasional group or single tree torching was observed. The south perimeter was quiet with little if any fire activity. The National Weather Service has issued another Red Flag Warning for this afternoon that could produce strong ridge-top winds and low humidity. Areas aligned with the wind could burn actively. The Osborne Creek area will again be sheltered from the SW winds.
Events: Red Flag Warnings are posted for this afternoon. A Red Flag Warning is issued when weather conditions, such as a combination of sustained winds, high temperatures, low humidity and/or dry lightning, may result in extreme burning conditions. Isolated thunderstorms are a continued possibility in and around the fire.
Actions: The fire was flown by fire managers yesterday allowing them to evaluate suppression strategies. Firefighters continue to make good progress on the contingency line along Tie Creek Road in the Bryant Creek area. Field Observers are in place to provide first-hand information about the fire.
Fire Restrictions and Closures: Tie Creek Road remains closed due to heavy equipment being used in the area to construct a contingency fire line. Structure protection measures are continuing. For public safety, an area closure north of the West Pioneer Mountains is in place.
Note: The Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway, Forest Road 73, remains open.
Visitors are reminded that southwest Montana is in Stage 2 fire restrictions which include no campfires and no smoking outside of a vehicle or building -- except in cleared, designated areas.
Evacuations: None.
Remarks: The Pattengail Creek and Rat Creek fires remain under the management of the NorCal Team II.
Public Meeting: The next public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 22 at 7:30PM at the Wise River Community Center.
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