Thursday PM , Sept. 6, Pattengail Creek and Rat Cre
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 9/6/2007
Afternoon Update
Pattengail Creek and Rat Creek Fires
Thursday, September 6, 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/
Rehabilitation Plans: Fire Officials met in Wisdom, MT this morning to plan their strategy to rehabilitate the Pattengail Creek and Rat Creek Fires. The removal of hoses and pumps on both fires, as well as cleaning up the contingency line to the northwest of the Pattengail fire, is among the first actions to be taken.
It's not unusual for rehabilitation to begin at one end of a large fire while it is still burning at the other. Particularly in the fall, when rains and snow can cause erosion on recently built firelines, firefighters are anxious to put in water bars and do everything possible to prevent erosion and damage to streams.
Weather: Recent rains dropped 3/4 of an inch of moisture on the Pattengail Creek Fire and smaller amounts on the Rat Creek Fire. This has been followed by partly cloudy days and higher humidity which combine to subdue fire behavior. The forecast calls for slightly warmer, drier days followed by two "cool fronts" with no appreciable moisture on Sunday and Tuesday.
Area Closures on the Pattengail Creek Fire: Acting Wise River District Ranger Dennis Havig reports that the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest continues to evaluate the closure areas surrounding the Pattengail Creek Fire. As soon as fire managers feel that the areas are safe, and fire related equipment has been removed, the closure will be lifted or reduced.
