Monday Morning News Release for Pattengail Creek F
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/27/2007
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
Cooperating Agencies: Beaverhead County, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Butte-Silver Bow County, Bureau of Land Management, MT Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, MT Department of Transportation, USDA Forest Service
Total Personnel on Fire: 36 Acres: 12,155
High Winds Hit Again: Strong winds hit the Pattengail Creek Fire on Sunday afternoon. However, the perimeter remained basically unchanged. Fire managers were watching to see if the fire would move down Osborn Creek, but all indications from the air indicated that it did not. The winds started some spot fires on the northwest side of the fire, but they didn't appear to get established or grow.
Computer Models estimate possible fire growth: At Saturday night's community meeting, fire officials showed the results of computer models of the Pattengail Creek Fire and its spread potential.
The computer ran 1000 varied scenarios, each one acting as if firefighters wouldn't take any suppression action, and ignoring any roads or clearings. None of the models showed the Pattengail Creek Fire reaching structures in the next two weeks.
Of course, firefighters would take action if the fire made significant runs, and there are roads, breaks and other factors which would hinder the fire's growth. All in all, firefighters are encouraged at the results of the models.
Weather: The extended forecast for the upcoming week calls for warm and dry conditions but less wind. This could allow the larger fuels burning within the fire perimeter to burn out. According to the National Weather Service, the Labor Day weekend could bring another front and a return to dangerous fire weather conditions. The public is urged to comply with fire restrictions and area closures.
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. Officials are monitoring the closures areas and will adjust them when conditions allow.
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.
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