Pattengail Creek Fire Update 8/20/07
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/20/2007
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: 11,801 Acres
Estimated Fire Containment: 15%
Estimated Expected Containment: Unknown
Committed Resources: 89 total personnel that includes 1 Crew, 2 Engines, 1 Dozer, 1 Water Tender, 1 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: Field Observers monitoring the Shaw Creek and Papoose Creek drainages reported the fires reaction to Sunday's wind was minimal and the fire primarily burned against the wind. The Field Observers were unable to see the Osborne Creek area. Today, fire managers will fly to evaluate the fire perimeter.
Events: A weather front passed through the area on Sunday bringing strong, erratic winds and a few showers. The portable weather station located near the fire recorded a 49 mile-per-hour gusts and .4 inches of rain. The wind also filled the Big Hole River Valley and surrounding areas with dense smoke. Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity are forecasted for Monday. There is also a 30% chance of rain in the afternoon.
Actions: Progress continues on the contingency line along Tie Creek Road near Teddy Creek. Field Observers are assigned to the Shaw Creek area to monitor the fire's activity.
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, is 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: On Wednesday, August 22, NorCal Team II will transfer the management of both the Rat Creek and Pattengail Creek fires to a Type I National Incident Management team from the southern states. The Southern Area Blue Team, under the leadership of Mike Quesinberry, will also manage the Rombo Mountain Fire which is located west of Chief Joseph Pass on the Bitterroot National Forest.
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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