Pattengail Fire Update_08_25_2007 9:00 AM
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/25/2007
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rick Barton, Information Officer
Cause: Lightning Fire Start: July 13, 2007
Location: 10 miles southwest of Wise River, Montana, in the west Pioneer Mountains
Total Personnel on Fire: 56
Red Flag Warning for Pattengail Fire area: The National Weather Service in Missoula, MT has issued a Red Flag Warning for Saturday afternoon and evening in the area that encompasses the Pattengail Fire. This warning is due to gusty winds and low humidities and warns firefighters that the potential exists for increased fire behavior. It also warns the public of increased fire danger and the need to exercise extreme caution with activities which might produce new fire starts.
Cooperation among agencies and community sets high example: Yesterday, representatives of various federal, state and local agencies toured areas where structure protection has been implemented by firefighters and homeowners. The high level of cooperation among the agencies and community members as well as the mitigation work by local residents was noted by all. The Big Hole valley is a good example of how communities in fire environments can be proactive in protecting lives and property.
Public Meeting Tonight: Public meetings with fire managers are held every Wednesday and Saturday evenings at the Wise River Community Center at 7:30 pm. Community members are encouraged to attend.
Planned Suppression Activities: Saturday, firefighters will continue building the contingency line from Alder Creek to Bryant Creek as well as identify areas where additional hand line construction is needed.
Fire Restrictions and Closures: Tie Creek Road remains closed as equipment works on the contingency line. For public safety, Forest lands in the north half of the West Pioneer Mountains, north of Lacy and McVey Creeks, may remain closed at least through September, until soaking rains come for several days in a row.
When hunting season begins, lots of other great hunting areas will remain open around the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The east Pioneers, the south side of the west Pioneers, Anaconda Range and Big Hole will all be open in the Wise River District alone.
Southwest Montana remains in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions which prohibit smoking outdoors except in cleared, designated areas, and prohibit all open flame except gas stoves.
