Pattengail Creek Fire Update, 8/21
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/21/2007
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: 71 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: On Monday, the fire responded to cooler temperatures and higher humidity by smoldering on the ground and creeping through the understory. No major burning was observed during a flight over the fire and perimeter growth was minimal. Similar weather conditions and fire activity is expected for Tuesday.
Events: Below normal temperatures and moister air settled into the area on Monday. Clearing skies and a continuation of the cool temperatures and higher humidity is expected for Tuesday.
Actions: Construction of the contingency line near Teddy Creek is continuing. The fire is being monitored from the air and with Field Observers.
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: Tonight will be the final fire update for NorCal Team II. Tomorrow morning, August 22, the management of both the Rat Creek and Pattengail Creek fires will transfer 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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