Sunday Eve Pattengail and Rat Creek Fire Update
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 9/2/2007
Afternoon Update
Rat Creek and Pattengail Creek Fires
Sunday, September 2, 2007
For More Information:
Pattengail Creek Fire (406) 832-3178 x211,
Rat Creek Fire (406) 689-3915
http://www.inciweb.org/, or www.fs.fed.us/r1/b-d/
Fire Activity Increases as wind and dry conditions return: Sunday afternoon saw the return of large columns of smoke in the Big Hole Valley as both the Pattengail Creek and Rat Creek Fires heated up. After enjoying a brief respite the past two days, warm, dry and windy weather returned causing the fires to become more active.
Firefighters monitoring the Pattengail Creek Fire report that the fire is burning back into itself in many places as well as spotting. The fire is slowly expanding on the southwest and northern flanks. The fire remains three to four miles from the closest structure and is still on Forest Service land. Additional local resources have arrived and are in position as a precautionary measure in line with predetermined plans.
The Rat Creek Fire is also experiencing increased activity. Fire officials warn that there may be more smoke in the Big Hole Valley tonight as a result.
Red Flag Warning issued for Rat Creek and Pattengail Creek Fires: The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning effective tomorrow, Monday, September 3rd, beginning at 1 p.m and lasting through 7 p.m. due to increased winds and low humidity. A Red Flag Warning warns firefighters and the public at large that extreme conditions exist for wildland fire starts and the growth of existing fires.
Overall: Incident Commander Bob Lippincott states that both fires are still burning within contingency lines. Helicopters and hand crews are working to prevent the fires from spreading into the valley.
###
